Foundation launched in honour of late soccer legend

Show Me Your Number (SMYN), an organisation through which the legacy of Thabang Lebese is being consolidated, in partnership with UNAIDS launched a project in honour of the late soccer player on November 18.

The former Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana star died on February 22, 2012 and the nation later learned that the cause of his death was Aids.

The Thabang Lebese Foundation will focus its work on stigma and discrimination in memory of Lebese’s inability to disclose his HIV status whilst still alive.

Machaka Lebese said her son’s silence is what contributed largely to his death.

This is why the family makes it no secret that Monde Lebese, brother of the legend, is also HIV positive.

The launch embodied an entertaining engagement around key issues of HIV/Aids, including the stigma and discrimination associated with the virus.

The event created a platform for guests to communicate and popularise the National Strategic Plan on HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) with emphasis on HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT), male medical circumcision and eradication of stigma.

Ndaba Mandela, who lost his parent to HIV was amongst some the guest speakers who took to the stage in speaking against stigma and discrimination, alongside UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors.

Mandela expressed reverence for Lebese’s mother who was brave enough to disclose HIV/Aids as the cause of her son’s death.

The foundation will convert SMYN’s after school sport activities at Tshireletso Primary School, Meadowlands into the Thabang Lebese Sports Centre for Social Change.

Lebese’s younger brother, being assisted and groomed by SMYN Executive Director Mabalane Mfundisi, is to head the foundation.

@ntombazi_