Rhythm City’s Reneilwe’s warns her friend Mampho about the dangers of dating a sugar daddy.
While 17-year-old Mampho (Itumeleng Bokaba) is blissfully happy with her 40-year -old boyfriend, her friend Reneilwe (Amo Chidi) is deeply concerned. But headstrong Mampho has accused Reneilwe of being jealous of her relationship with Jabu.
Reneilwe is confused about what to do about her friend dating an older man, and she wisely seeks advice from Puleng.
We talk to Reneilwe about the dangers of dating a sugar daddy.
Why is Mampho and Jabu’s relationship cause for concern?
Mampho is 17 years old, just like me, we are still in school and relationships of this nature are just not appropriate. Jabu is an older guy with so much experience and is twice Mampho’s age. I’m also struggling to believe that Jabu genuinely cares for my friend; my gut tells me he only has one thing on his mind, and that is sex!
My other concern is that Mampho is being pressured and will try to live up to Jabu’s expectations and try to please him. Young girls aren’t always wise and strong enough to protect themselves from pregnancy, HIV and other infections.
Do you think you can save your friend from this destructive path?
Yes, I can save her. I know Mampho’s weaknesses and struggles. Mampho has low self-esteem and doesn’t always feel beautiful. In trying to save her, I will remind her of her worth and beauty and show her that she is bigger than her insecurities.
Are you going to alert Mampho’s family?
I think my role is to first warn her because I don’t want to completely isolate her. Loyalty is important. When I have exhausted all avenues with no change in the matter, my next step will be to seek family intervention.
Where do you think Mampho’s focus should be?
I strongly believe that my friend should be focusing on finding her own identity as a young girl, working on her personal development, school and her plans for the future. She should not be focussed on trying to master kissing Jabu and being hung up on this fake love.
What would you do if you were in Reneilwe’s shoes?
Catch Rhythm City weekdays on e.tv at 6.30PM.
