GARAGOPOLA – When Sizzy Mnisi (22) first tested and found out she was infected by the HIV/AIDS virus, she didn’t run away or think of committing suicide – she soldiered on with her life.
Sizzy has been openly living with the disease for the past seven years. “I first tested in June 2007 when I was pregnant with my firstborn, and the results were negative. I then tested on September 25 that same year and was told that I am HIV positive. It was a day I would never forget. I dragged my feet home, thinking what was going to happen to me but luckily my family’s support kept me strong,” she said.
She told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that her positive status never derailed her life. I face HIV/AIDS head-on and at times I even forget I have this sickness. It is important to surround yourself with winners not losers.”
Sizzy is urging the HIV/AIDS positive locals to come forward and stand against the virus and stop it from spreading. She encouraged more locals to visit clinics and test.
“I want to implement road shows, awareness campaigns and public education. I aim to help in combating this pandemic. Those infected should know that the virus is not a death sentence. I just treat the virus as another challenge,” she said.
Mnisi is the mother of three children and they are all healthy. “My immune system is strong and I am not on treatment. When I first tested my CD-4 count was 500 and today I can proudly say I am on 1122,” she added.
On November 29, Mnisi motivated the Mototolo miners about the virus. She hopes other mines contact her so that she will share her experiences with workers.
She previously worked at the defunct Mooihoek mine as the HIV- and AIDS motivator. Recently she guided listeners of Thobela FM on HIV/AIDS. She thanked the management of Mooihoek mine and her family for the support ushered to her.
