Aids Day

Written by:  Thembi Marshall

Every year the Kruger to Canyons Natural Resource Management team together with their stakeholders join in honour of people who died from HIV/AIDS related diseases. On the 4th of December 2019 more than 400 NRM team participants, CPA’s from Maseke, Conservation South Africa staff members, Werverdiend and BBR, Dept. of Health Officials, Shoshane NGO and Mother to Mother Organisation gathered at Acorn to Oaks Hall to celebrate the day. 

World AIDS Day celebration is recognised as one of the vital day in the society. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness, join together in fighting against HIV/AIDS, show support for people living with HIV and honour those who have died from an HIV/AIDS-related illness. 

The Soshane NGO spoke about the new drug called Bluetooth. It is one the latest drug trends where drug users share the drug by withdrawing blood from high user to the other person. The drug has shown to increase the risks of HIV and Aids cases amongst drug users. The Mother to Mother organisation made an eye opening presentation about the importance of educating parents to have HIV and Aids conversations with their children. Some children born and living with HIV unknowingly transmit the virus when they become sexually active (usually in the teens). This is leading to a high case of teenage girls and boys infected with AIDS. Moses Mathabela from CSA together with NRM contractor’s did a candle memorial to raise awareness and to honour those who embraced  living with HIV and AIDS.

The drama and traditional dance was a better way to indicate that the society has moved away from the myths about HIV/AIDS. Everyone took home something from the Mametja born poet Orpa Mogane who said that we have fought and won the battle against myths of relating HIV/AINDS to witchcraft, what’s left for society is to be transparent with their HIV/AIDS status.

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