Condom dress competition on Jammie catwalk

In the middle of a Jammie Plaza filled with student societies and sports clubs on 5 February, one group of students stood out from the crowd.

Having decked themselves out in an unusual array of summer gear - including newspapers, a black bag and condoms - the students paraded in front of a Jammie audience amused by the models' smouldering expressions and colourful outfits.

Eventually, the top models were chosen and celebrated for their innovation and unique style.

The unusual catwalk line-up was organised by UCT's HIV/AIDS Institutional Co-ordination Unit (HAICU), to remind students of the importance of safer sexual behaviour. Dubbed the Condom Dress Competition, students were tasked with creating a costume with HAICU-provided material in fifteen minutes.

The competition was the first of HAICU's once-a-term events at UCT this year. "Through this event, we aim to convey the messages of safer sexual practices, educate students about UCT services and encourage students to create safe spaces for dialogue about HIV on campus," says Lucina Reddy, HAICU project officer.

DJ Suga, the popular radio personality, was on hand to dispense advice to interested onlookers in line with HAICU's motto for 2013: "If you connect, protect".

HAICU plans to run 60 HIV/AIDS-awareness workshops during O-Week in addition to the Condom Dress Competition.