Nkomazi takes steps to address HIV/Aids scourge
When the community of Schoemansdal gathered with the Nkomazi Local Municipality, those who died from HIV/Aids were also remembered during a candle-lighting ceremony.
The Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM) hosted a World Aids Day commemoration in the local community hall on December 5.
The acting executive mayor, Hilda Nyambi-Sambo, encouraged the stakeholders and civil organisations to join hands in reducing the rate of new infections and stopping the spread of HIV altogether. “Regardless of age, gender, race and socio-economic status, everyone should contribute to the fight against the spread of HIV. We must also fight to eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV/Aids and commit to fostering open conversations, supporting those affected while dismantling the stereotype that holds us back,” said Nyambi-Sambo.
The event was also attended by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) community led by Nonto Shabangu and Lydia Sono.
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While directing the programme, the MMC for community services, Phindile Luphoko, made a commitment that the municipality would host an event for the LGBTQI community in the next financial year to give them a voice to speak about their issues in an event dedicated to them.
“I will ensure that I speak to the relevant people about this. Next year we need to have an event that solely focuses on you and your issues. We do have the budget for it,” said Luphoko.
Sono, an LGBTQI activist, said this was a step in the right direction, and they were looking forward to it.
“We appreciate what the municipality and NGOs are doing for our community. We have been having dialogues, and I can safely say there is light at the end of the tunnel. We have also been vocal about how we get discriminated against when we apply for jobs. The gays aren’t masculine enough and the lesbians aren’t feminine enough. This needs to end, and we want to have equal representation in the workplace. We will continue to apply and only hope that the municipality will keep its word and give qualifying candidates the opportunities, regardless of sexuality,” Sono said.
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Candles were also lit during the event and a moment of silence was observed for those who have passed away from HIV/Aids.
Matsamo Roots Butchery also supported the event by contributing to the food served to the guests on the day. “We were approached and met the donation request with high spirits. This is a way of giving back to the community, and we are happy to contribute to the fight against HIV/Aids and lend a hand where more awareness is created,” said the butchery’s Khulile Sithole-Santana.
