The National Health Department says, despite reports of condom shortages, particularly in Gauteng, the country has an adequate supply of condoms.
According to the department, there have been delays in the supply and delivery of condoms since the covid pandemic. It claims, however, that there are no serious shortages of condoms across the country despite low stock levels in some areas, including Gauteng.
The department says it is also critical to note that South Africa does not manufacture condoms, but imports them.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale says the department is liaising with the provincial government on the matter.
“It is critical to note that South Africa does not manufacture condoms, but condoms are all imported from other countries. Before distribution in the country, samples of condoms are subjected to a rigorous testing process for quality assurance by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). At the current moment, there are no serious shortages or stockouts of condoms around the country, despite low stock levels in some areas, including in Gauteng. The Department has been in constant communication with the provincial health departments to establish the stock levels of condoms and other contraceptives, to make quick interventions where a need arises.”
