THE Africa Centre for human disease research based in KwaSomkhele, Mtubatuba hosted the stakeholders’ end of year function, to highlight its achievements attained this year.
The function, attended by the local Mkhwanazi Traditional Council and other stakeholders was held at the centre on Tuesday.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer, Mtubatuba Mayor Cllr Qhina Mkhwanazi said the fact the centre is situated at the KwaSomkhele area, under the Mkhwanazi Traditional Authority in Mtubatuba, should make the people of this municipality proud.
He further said the centre has brought so much empowerment to this community and many people’s lives have been changed for the better.
‘The centre has put our municipality on the global map, making the area of Mtubatuba known worldwide.
‘Since it came here our communities have become more aware of diseases like HIV/ Aids and TB, which has resulted in lower infection rates among our young people,’ Mkhwanazi stressed.
Youth warned against dangers of HIV/Aids
He continued to urge the youth to always go for HIV/ Aids tests, to use protection and to abstain.
‘It is longer a shame to be positive, as long as the person takes their medicine, and lead a healthy lifestyle,’ the Mayor appealed.
The Mayor further heralded the Africa Centre for providing the young people of KwaSomkhele with educational opportunities, through bursaries and providing them apprentice prospects.
He further appealed to the centre to respect and pay homage to Isilo, as it does work within his land and his people.
‘As the municipality we will always support them, as long as they respect our King.
‘We also appeal to them to keep us abreast with information they gather as they collect statistics from research conducted within our communities,’ Mkhwanazi concluded.
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