Late officers with HIV/AIDS remembered
Speakers all highlighted that stigma and discrimination is still prominent in South Africa.
The Randfontein Police took part in the 33rd Annual Candlelight Memorial for officers who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS last Thursday.
The memorial took place at the Randfontein Police VISOL boardroom by the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW). It was first established in 1983.
Everyone from peer educators, stakeholders, officers infected by HIV/AIDS and various government departments participated in the programme.
The various speakers at the event all highlighted the same issue regarding officers infected with HIV/AIDS – stigma and discrimination is still prevalent in South Africa.
Brigadier Mashole Jacob Manamela, Randfontein Police Station Commander also spoke at the event and condemned any form of discrimination. He gave the attendees his assurance that discrimination will not be tolerated at his station.
Human Resources are our most valuable asset in the Police and you are all special before God.
“Members need support from commanders and peer educators,” Manamela said.
He also gave thanks to Police peer educators for the excellent service they provide to all members of the police.
The connection between HIV and TB were also made by Glenda Mocwabe, representative from the Department of Health. She maintained that TB is an opportunistic disease that runs hand-in-hand with HIV.
“Stigma and discrimination hinders disclosure. HIV/AIDS does not kill our people but the way in which we handle people who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS are killing our people’s spirit. People become isolated due to gossiping and our reaction to them,” Mocwabe said.
Members of the police in the West Rand were also encouraged to let HIV/AIDS stop with the current generation.
The event concluded with a prayer by Reverent Tiny Mabotho while attendants lit a candle in remembrance of those who were lost.
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