Young people encouraged to take treatment

Traditional leaders in Ekurhuleni have encouraged young people to take their chronic medication for HIV/Aids without fail or shame.

They were speaking at the Ekurhuleni heritage celebration at Ekurhuleni East Rand College, KwaThema campus over the weekend.

Dressed in their traditional clothes the different ethnic groups sang and chanted their traditional songs.

Chief Elijah Skhosana of Amandebele ethnic group says it is heartbreaking seeing young people losing their lives because they refuse to take their treatment.

“There is nothing to be embarrassed about by taking your medication. It is your life and you are the driver of it.

“Don’t allow peer pressure and societal misconceptions control the decisions you make about your life. Do what is right.

“There will be people who will promise overnight solutions or healing but do not listen to this.

“There is no cure for HIV/Aids and you should take your medication without fail,” he says.

Skhosana says as traditional leaders they decided to join the fight to the growing scourge of HIV/Aids especially amongst young people.

Skhosana urged young people to have respect and follow their heritage.

“They must have respect for their elders, culture and traditions and they will never go wrong.

“Young people should not adopt other cultures and abandon theirs.

“There is nothing embarrassing about being proud of your tradition and following its teachings,” he says.

“If you don’t know where you are from you won’t be able to plan for your future.

“We are here as traditional leaders to share our knowledge and skills with young people.”

Skhosana says the heritage celebrations will be held by the chiefs in the municipality.

The participants were also awarded certificates of participation after the event.