MANY young girls think it is good to date older men. But what they are not aware of is that these men just want to sleep with them and vanish after fulfilling their lust - leaving them with not only broken hearts but sexually transmitted diseases.

Being poor does not imply that you must sleep with men old enough to be your father. Channel your energy towards something of value, your education. Life rewards people who work hard. Dating an older man for money is not the right thing to do. Older men know that young girls are vulnerable, easy to please, dependent and longing for material things.

These men are married and have children of your age, always remember that. Another thing to keep in mind is that you are not his only girlfriend.

He will lure you with his belongings, buy you expensive gifts and even take you to school in his expensive car - remember, he is someone else's daddy and he won't divorce his wife of many years because of you. You might think that you're in love, but guess what, you're not. Sex is what he needs from you. Wait until you are pregnant with his child - he will leave you and perhaps move on to your friends.

Take note of the brilliant future ahead of you. Work towards fulfilling your dreams, not destroying them.

I appeal to you all young girls to think about your future and forget about dating older men because it is indeed sad to witness broken futures because of quick pleasures of sex and alcohol.

Makroty Sokana, Ga-Ramokgopa