World AIDS Day celebrated

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The Johannesburg Municipality celebrated World AIDS Day with the Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, NGOs and volunteers on Monday December 1.

Buses from a wide variety of suburbs deployed community members and volunteers to gather and teach each other more about the pandemic.

On this day, the entire world was basically teaching one another about ways in which the world can combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, and how those infected can lead healthy lifestyles.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura visited the Johannesburg City Hall at the Gauteng Legislature to endorse and support the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, not only in urban areas or rural areas but in the entire world.

Cllr Sidney Radebe, during the vote of thanks, said: “Many people do not want to talk about their HIV status, and that should be respected. However it is important for all people to continue checking their status every three months so it can be possible to identify this epidemic in its earlier stages.

“The government has put in place systems to fight the epidemic of HIV. I call for all people to work together to combat the spread of the disease.”

The official event started at 12:00, but tents were set up from the early hours of the morning, just outside the venue, for NGOs and volunteers to spread the word and educate people of the importance of using protection; male circumcision; knowing their status and leading a healthy lifestyle.

“I am happy to be here and to see so many people come together to talk openly and freely about HIV/AIDS. It makes me very proud, because I have been counseling and educating people about HIV since I completed my grade 12 in 2009,” said volunteer Eulenda Motsoko from the Jozi Ihlomile Project.

Eulenda Motsoko’s mother was a member of Jozi Ihlomile until she retired and that is how Eulenda loved to work with people from an early age.