Thuto Lesedi High School scoops first prize in public speaking competition
The sound of applause filled the air at Alberton Civic Center Hall on Thursday, last week, when Thuto Lesedi High School pupil, Wendy Khumalo was named queen of public speaking on the topic of “Ekurhuleni has the highest HIV prevalence rate. How do we step up the pace in the fight against HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB.”
Khumalo scooped the first prize following an intense debate involving 10 schools selected from across the metro.
Ekurhuleni holds these debates annually to promote accurate knowledge of HIV/Aids and reproductive health.
Addressing the pupils, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social development, Clr Makhosazana Mabaso said these debates serve as a platform to break the silence and tighten fists in the fight to reduce the rate of new HIV infections.
“In a municipality with the second highest prevalence of people living with HIV in the country, our responsibility is to keep our young people talking about issues relating to the scourge of HIV and Aids,” she said.
“The more we talk about HIV/AIDS, Reproductive health, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases the more people will become knowledgeable and equipped to deal with them.”
The ecstatic Khumalo is going to use the information she gained throughout the debate competition to spread the word about issues of HIV and Aids to her peers.
“There is a lot to be learnt and understood about the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Ekurhuleni,” she said.
