* Editor's note: This article is updated each time new information becomes available.

JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba says his tweet about sanitary pads was taken out of context.

The social media fraternity hasn't taken kindly to his comment that handing out sanitary pads to girls encourages them to focus on sex.

Mashaba was referring to a picture of Environmental Affairs Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane handing out pads to pupils.

He said government should be educating children about careers, instead of sex.

Twitter users flooded the mayor's timeline, with many asking him to explain how sanitary pads are linked to sexual behaviour.

Mashaba said Mokonyane handing out pads to schoolgirls is part of the ANC's electioneering.

He went on to remind people that the City of Johannesburg has free sanitary products at clinics in the city.