Ananova:

A senator in Swaziland says the country's shortage of condoms is a punishment from the gods who are angered by the country's young people having too much sex.

The House of Assembly rocked with laughter when Majahenkhaba Dlamini said the shortage was a "blessing in disguise" and said it was time for everyone to take a break from sex.

He added that the high sexual activity of the country's youth is an embarrassment to the country. Around 26% of Swasis are thought to be HIV-positive.

Government officials say that only the most popular brand of condoms is in short supply.

Beatrice Dlamini of the Swaziland National Aids Programme said: "The problem with Swazis is that they want a certain brand instead of protecting themselves with the condoms available."

Senator Dlamini caused controversy last month when he said schoolgirls should be banned from wearing mini-skirts because they "disturb" male teachers, the Daily Mail & Guardian reports.

He has also urged the ministry of natural resources not to stop soil erosion because, he said, foreign tourists would like to see its effects.