Recent abortion statistics for the Eastern Cape, as well as reports about schools functioning without books, stationery or even shelter, have highlighted the most tragic challenges facing this country.

Education is in an appallingly embarrassing state.

What faces the country when the same young people who are choosing abortion over prevention as a form of birth control one day become business leaders and, heaven forbid, the leaders of the country?

Whether they become leaders, or whether they are the sisters, wives or even mothers of our future leaders, what kind of balance and stability can they provide when they clearly lack that kind of emotional support now?

Once again, education, or the lack thereof, is at the heart of this issue.

Isn't it time that the "I can't talk about sex with my parents because it's rude and not done in my culture" attitude is superseded by a proper explanation of the facts which will protect our children from the ignorance which is not only destroying them, but which is eroding the fabric of our society, daily?