General

Author: Dr KA Olowu
Date: 19 September 2007

I have the dubious privilege of working in the hospital and seeing the havoc HIV is causing in the lives of men and women. There are times I have had to certify up to five or more deaths per night from HIV and related morbidity. Imagine what is going on in other hospitals in the country. Imagine the psychological trauma one goes through at such times, especially when one knows that others are contracting the virus as you cry in your little corner over the victims; many who innocently or ignorantly became infected.

Being a church minister, I have a number of congregants who are infected. Many of them became infected in the days that can truly be regarded as days of ignorance. Each funeral done by the church for one of these people weighs me down.

The only positive part of it is that it makes me more determined to do all that could possibly be done. We must win this fight – there are no alternative options. Generations are waiting to judge us. What we do today (or what we do not do) will either speak for or against us. Time is running out. The virus is busy; in transmission, replication and plotting how to resist the drugs we throw at it. We cannot afford not to outwit the virus. It is the only way we will win this battle.
Again, thank you very much and God bless you.
Ayo.

Author: Miss FL Chokoe
Date: 21 September 2007

I would like to thank God in the name of Jesus for introducing us to people like Professor Jan Du Toit and his staff. Through their work, we are exposed to opportunities and at the same time we are helping the community. After six years of working as a professional nurse without promotion, I was appointed as the project manager for ARV(CCMT) in Midrand in June this year. Your course is very helpful and it assists those who are in management. Keep up the good work. Thank you!
Fridah Lesiba Chokoe

Subject: Tender is the name. Go on girl!
Author: Dr KA Olowu
Date: 24 September

Hello mates
Did you all read about the girl in yesterday’s Sunday Times? Her name is Tender Mavundla, one of the Idols finalists. This is the girl of the moment. Tender has just declared her HIV positive status to all who care to listen. Here are the days. Tender is the girl! This is our opportunity.

We must seize this opportunity with both hands to let South Africans know this is the way to do it. I see an ambassador in this girl, one to further our cause. Let us seize this opportunity to reinforce what she has proclaimed: that the infection will not stop her from achieving her life ambitions.

Join me to send in a message of hope and support to this girl via the Sunday Times. The editor's contact is P.O Box 1742, Saxonwold, 2132. Fax (011) 2805150/1, SMS 33971, e-mail: stletters@sundaytimes.co.za or tellus@sundaytimes.co.za. If you have an interest in the Idols competition, please vote for.her. She will be useful in this fight against HIV stigma and all of its ramifications. SMS Tender to 34680. She will be an encouragement to all.

As for me, I am inviting Tender to Port-Elizabeth for a holiday as soon as her programme permits her. During her stay, I will be arranging for her to speak to youth organisations in town about her status and encourage them to get tested.

We are in desperate need of more people like Tender in South Africa. Let us all encourage her in whatever way we can. I am in anticipation of what you will do.
Ayo.

More messages

General
VCT and re-testing
Death certificates and HIV/AIDS insurance