World AIDS Day 2012
Joshua Motsomane
AMANDELBUTL – Anglo American Platinum, Dishaba Mine in partnership with Thabazimbi Municipality joined millions of people across the globe to mark World AIDS Day on 1 December 2012 at Tumela Sportground.
On this day each year, the world gathers to reflect on progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and to re-commit to taking the battle forward.
This year’s theme is “A re dlale Safe for zero new HIV and TB infections”- “Let’s play it safe for new HIV and TB infections”. The global theme for World AIDS Day was announced last year and it will run until 2015, with three key messages: “Zero New HIV Infection”, “Zero Stigma and Discrimination” and “Zero AIDS- related Deaths”.
“Today is a special anniversary because the world is marking 31 years since the virus that causes AIDS was discovered on June 5, 1981 in Los Angeles, California,” reflected Cllr Two Days Molefe.
“It has been a long, hard and painful road since then in our country and beyond. However, we are pleased to stand here today and say 31 years on, we can count some successes in the fight against the scourge”, he added.
He further said that knowing one’s status is important for both staying negative and living positively.
“Besides knowing one’s status, the testing campaign is a powerful tool for fighting the stigma and discrimination,” said Molefe.
He further indicated the government is making a huge progress in as far as the pandemenic is concerned and that is being recognised internationally as well.
The Municipality is prioritising the fight against the abuse of women and children, through law enforcement as well as education and awareness. “We need communities and all stakeholders to assist us too, as government will not win this battle alone.”
Cllr Molefe further said that with regards to the social impact, society are urged to support orphans and vulnerable children who have lost their parents to the epidemic.
“We must ensure that these children are protected and are given every opportunity to prosper, despite losing their parents. We appeal to the business community, non-governmental organisations and the religious sector, to continue working with government in this endeavour. We acknowledge and praise the various community care-givers and neighbours who already provide support to orphans and child-headed households. They are the unsung heroes and heroines of the fight against HIV and AIDS. We also record the contribution of many dedicated health professionals – the nurses, doctors, pharmacists and all others who come face to face with the epidemic and provide care and support to the infected. They must keep up the good work on our behalf”, concluded Molefe.
Support your family members, neighbours, colleagues and friends who are HIV positive. They need the love, understanding and support of family, friends and relatives to enable them to live long, productive and healthy lives like all South Africans.
All South Africans should take steps to ensure that they do not become infected, that they do not infect others and that they know their status, because through the infected others are affected.
Parents and heads of households should be open with children and educate them about HIV and how to prevent it. Talk robustly about unsafe sex.
Mineworkers, councillors, community leaders and officials attended the event from the mine. Mr Bruce Mashapu thanked all participants for their time and cooperation. There were alot of sporting activities on the day, including soccer, netball, fun run and VCT was also conducted on site.
World Aids Day was celebrated by mineworkers, councillors, community leaders and officials at Dishaba Mine on Saturday 1 December.