- Hundreds gathered at Masiphumelele Primary School in Makhaza on Saturday 30 November to commemorate World AIDS Day.
- The event, organized by Snapshot Mobile Cinema and other stakeholders, emphasized utilising government-provided services.
- Speakers highlighted the intersection of HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence, urging victims to seek timely medical help.
Hundreds of people from Makhaza and the surrounding areas joined the global community in commemorating World Aids Day on Sunday 1 December.
They converged at Masiphumelele Primary School in Makhaza on Saturday 30 November, on the eve of the annual event to destigmatise HIV/Aids.
The gathering was organised by Snapshot Mobile Cinema, a non-profit organisation (NPO) that works with various high schools in Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Langa, with other stakeholders. The theme of the day was, ‘let the communities lead’.
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Snapshot coordinator Bulelani Mvotho described the event as part of empowering the community, particularly young people. Snapshot runs an after school programme that helps learners with their school work.
Mvotho said the gathering remembered those who died because of HIV/Aids. It also inspired those on antiretrovirals to continue their treatment.
“We are trying to fight the stigma against HIV/Aids. We are also thanking those who disclosed their status to motivate others who are still in their closets. We want the community to stop discriminating against them and instead embrace them,” said Mvotho.
Mvotho declared that their target is the youth. “They are the right people to communicate the message. It doesn’t mean we are excluding old people but we are mainly focusing on young people. We are encouraged to utilise the services that are provided by the government in order to prevent the diseases from spreading.
“Our clinics are providing free condoms, contraception, tests, treatment etc,” said Mvotho.
Sexual Assault Forensic Nurse Examiner from Thuthuzela Care Centre in Mitchells Plain, Nontuthuzelo Ntwana said they are not only celebrating World Aids Day but also fighting against gender-based violence (GBV).
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She said GBV has an impact on HIV/Aids. “Our centre is focusing more on cases of rape and assault. We ensure that victims are taken care of and get the right treatment. The raped victims can come to our centres and report it. Once you visit our centres you don’t have to go to the police station. The officers will come to you,” said Ntwana, adding that people can report rape cases any time.
“Within the three days after you’ve been raped, you can visit the medical centre and get some treatment to prevent the infection with the HIV/Aids. Within five days you can conduct a DNA test even if you take a bath. And men must understand that sleeping with an underage child is wrong. That is a statutory rape even if you both agreed. It is important to ask the age while you are proposing a girl,” she explained, adding that there is a marital rape where one partner sleeps with another by force.
Anele Mkoko (23) from Mfuleni described the event as educational. She said they need more of these kinds of events in their areas.
“We need more awareness campaigns about HIV/Aids in our communities. There are people who still discriminate against other people because they are living with HIV. They are treating them as if they are not human beings,” she said.
