Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - January 29, 2007
Mlambo-Ngcuka was speaking to over 2,000 Roman Catholic youths who had gathered in Pretoria to witness a cross donated to the worldÆs youth by the late Pope John Paul II.
The cross is en route from Germany to Sydney in Australia where the 2008 World Youth Day celebrations are to be held.
She encouraged the youth to live life according to moral principals.
"We need to continue to put across the message that young people must abstain from engaging in sexual activities until they are old and matured enough to deal with the challenges that are posed by engaging in sex.
"We must spread the message with much force, determination and vigour, that it is COOL for young people to abstain from engaging in sex," said Mlambo-Ngcuka.
"Those who have engaged in sex, must know their status, by continuously getting tested so that they will adopt healthy living lifestyles. When you know your status you are in a better position to understand how you should live, by ensuring that you do not infect others and re-infect yourself in the process."
Mlambo-Ngcuka said although there was no cure for HIV, the disease was manageable.
She said that dealing with moral issues was just as important as fighting the scourge of HIV/Aids and encouraged the church to provide moral guidance to the youth.
"Furthermore as young people in Gauteng you could also immediately engage with the moral regeneration initiatives as the three Metropolitan Councils in Gauteng already have MRM (Moral Regeneration Movement) structures conducting activities in the local and district municipalities," said Ngcuka.
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