World Aids Day was commemorated in Weenen on Friday, November 28 ahead of the global World Aids Day on December 1. The theme for the event was in keeping with South Africa’s theme of ‘Towards an HIV-free Generation: Rise. Act. Protect. Zero.’

The event opened at the Weenen Taxi Rank with a prayer by Mfundisi/Reverend Mkhize followed by participants handing out pamphlets and stickers to support people living with HIV and raise awareness about the issue.

Participants then marched from the taxi rank through town to the Weenen Tennis Courts; carrying candles and signs, while singing songs about HIV prevention and hymns.

Speakers, that included Mfundisi Mkhize, two indunas, a member of the Health Department, a community member and a Weenen student, spoke to participants about the need for prevention, support of those living with HIV and testimonies of personal experiences.

School children provided music and performed a poem at the event. Approximately 110 individuals were in attendance for the World Aids Day event.

The event was co-ordinated by local officials from the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, Department of Environmental Affairs, SASSA, COGTA, SAPS and local non-profit organisation Siyanakekela. The co-ordinators would like to thank the sponsors for their donations to the event.