DANGEROUS ‘CONGO DUST’ SEX BOOSTER IN ESWATINI STREETS

MBABANE – The catch phrase, ‘unamatsela kuze kuse’ is what is being used to sell a dangerous sex-booster called ‘Congo Dust’.

The phrase, loosely translated could mean, ‘you will last longer’, often targeting men with sexual health problems. ‘Congo Dust’, which is allegedly said to be originally from the  Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is said to be sold on the streets, as well as in some pharmacies in that country, in powder form. It is said that in DRC, the substance is said to be available on the streets. The sexbooster is sold in powder form and users claim that only a pinch of it is required for the day. The powder is not consumable, but one applies it externally.
Now, the product is said to be illegally available in the kingdom, and local men are already trying it. Some pharmacies in Manzini are illegally selling the powder. It is said that majority of the buyers are older men, who desire ‘more energy’ in their love relationships.

One of the distributors of the product claimed that because of the demand for it, they sometimes  deliver  it to their clients. One pharmacy owner, who wished to remain anonymous, as he is aware that the drug is illegal, described the surge in demand: “We have had more customers coming in, asking specifically for ‘Congo Dust’. The   news seems to be spreading about the product, this could be a sign that there are many people with sexual health problems  out there and that they are looking for solutions,” he said. When he was asked why many people were asking for the powder, instead of other available sex-boosters, he said he was of the view that the word ‘Congo’ appears to be attracting the buyers. He said the word Congo sounded mystic and also, it was new in the Eswatini market.

Expensive

Some users of the product, however, expressed concern that that it was expensive, as it was being sold for at least E140 in a small sachet. A man in his  late 50s narrated his experience, adding that he bought it when he saw a poster about it on the internet. “I have been using ‘Congo Dust’ for a few months now, and it has definitely made a difference,” he stated. He said he did it to save his marriage, as he recently married a young wife. According to  a  pharmacy consultant *Sydney, from one of the pharmacies where the product is being sold, he stated that many people are already buying the product. He said it is being distributed in sachets. “You only use a pinch,” added Sydney.

Sydney said the pinch is enough to last for two to three days, but that one had to constantly keep hydrating by drinking at least two litres of water daily. Asked about the possible side effects, he said so far, he was not aware of any. However, research  on med.nealth.com on ‘Congo Dust’ shows a dark side to it , due to some side effects which could eventually lead to death, such as cancer. While the packaging and advertisements promise enhanced sexual stamina and satisfaction, the reality, according to experts, may be far more perilous. Some of the long-term side effects are reportedly permanent erectile dysfunction and worse, cancer. Meanwhile, ‘Congo Dust’ has found a substantial market in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and DRC. In these countries, the product is widely available on the streets and in some pharmacies.

Safety

According to reports in Nigeria, for instance, ‘Congo Dust’ has become a common sight in urban markets, with vendors promoting its supposed benefits. The Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued public advisories, urging consumers to avoid such products due to the lack of safety and efficacy data. Similarly, in South Africa, the product is often sold in informal settings, appealing to those who may not have access to or prefer not to seek out medical advice for sexual health issues. Just like in Nigeria, there has been warnings from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) about substances like ‘Congo Dust’. The agency highlighted the dangers of using unregistered sexual enhancers, stressing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before using any medication.

A comment was also sought from the local Ministry of Health, to find out how such a substance is being regulated and if they are aware that it has infiltrated even the pharmacies.
The questionnaire was sent on Thursday morning, but they had  not responded by the time of compiling this article on Friday 1pm. However, in the past, the Ministry of Health had warned members of the public about using over-the-counter medication, which otherwise could have side effects.
*Not real name to protect source from harm.

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