Panafrican News Agency - November 28, 2001

The 2001 Durex Global sex Survey, carried out in 28 countries worldwide, found almost a fifth of South Africans are taking no measures to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Of those who do, only 14 percent insist on using a condom for casual sex and just 6 percent would ask their partner about their sexual history.

Although condoms are the most popular form of contraception in South Africa, used by 48 percent, 11 percent of those surveyed admitted they use nothing at all.

"Although many people are taking measures to protect themselves, it is worrying that there is still a large number who are choosing to take risks," Keli Wakfer, South African spokesperson for Durex, said.

"HIV/AIDS and infections such as chlamydia present a real threat to health throughout the world. Durex conducts this international survey on an annual basis to assist healthcare professionals in communicating this important message," the agency said.

The survey by Durex, the world's leading condom brand, found South African lovers are becoming more passionate by the year. They make love 116 times a year, increasing from 107 last year.

Their increased libido has put South Africa up among the most sexually active nations in the world, ahead of Italians (111), Britons (107), and Dutch (94).

However, the Americans (124) are still out in front.

South African teenagers tend to hold on to their virginity until a later age than in other countries. In the USA, the average age of first sex is 16 and in France 16.7, but in South Africa it is 17.2, according to the survey.

And South Africans also have fewer sexual partners, averaging 8.2, compared with Americans (14.3).

However, 9 percent of those interviewed in South Africa said they had had more than 20 partners.

Wakfer said: "This wide-ranging survey is the largest ever undertaken by Durex and explores sexual attitudes and behaviour across 28 countries around the globe, including South Africa."

The survey found the average age for first receiving sex education in school in South Africa as 14.8. But 32 percent said they did not learn about sex in the classroom.

Mothers are the preferred source of sex education for 25 percent of South Africans, with 20 percent opting to learn at school. One in 10 say they would prefer to rely on friends.

Having sex is the number one pastime of 15 percent of the nation's adults, but a larger proportion (21 percent) would prefer to socialise with friends and 14 percent most enjoy shopping or watching television.

Some 12 percent said they receive the greatest pleasure from going to work.

The beach is where a quarter of South Africans would most like to make love, with 23 percent picking a Jacuzzi, spa or hot tub.

However, 9 percent prefer a more domestic setting and would like to have sex on the kitchen table, the survey found.

Personality is by far the biggest initial point of attraction to the opposite sex with 42 percent saying this is the most important actor in choosing a partner.

Another 19 percent fall for a sense of humour and 13 percent Bare swayed by good looks.
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