On December 4, Mamelodi residents and the youth were encouraged to know their HIV status and never be ashamed to take their medication.

The event was organised by Stanza Bopape clinic adolescent and youth friendly services (AYFS) in commemoration of World Aids Day (December 1).

Professional nurse, Sister Millicent Shabalala from Stanza Bopape Clinic, said the event was also part of raising awareness about GBV and encouraging the youth and community at large to break the silence and speak up.

Shabalala said the purpose of the day was to commemorate World Aids Day, stand together against GBV, and to revive adolescent and youth-friendly services in their facility.

“This day reminds us that HIV is still a reality, but with knowledge, testing, treatment, and support, we can protect ourselves and each other,” said Shabalala.

She said this is a reminder for everyone to raise their voices against any form of abuse, as every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected.

The event was attended by different stakeholders from Mamelodi, mostly dealing with HIV/Aids and GBV. They also addressed the youth and community about their services, and where to find them in case of emergencies.

Shabalala said the event aimed to empower the public with information, skills, and supportive services that are designed especially for young people.

“AYFS is about giving you a safe space where you can ask questions, get help, and make healthy choices without judgement,” she said.

The event was held in the clinic’s parking area and had stations for testing for both HIV and TB, as the clinic has seen a recent rise in TB patients.

Shabalala said their purpose was simply to educate, create awareness, motivate and ensure that every young person knows where to find support.

She added that together, “we can build a community that is informed, confident, and free from stigma and violence”.

Aids ambassador and motivational speaker Mlungisi Zondi engaged with the youth, encouraging them to take care of their health and always use protection when having intercourse.

Zondi, an ex-convict from Mamelodi East, was arrested in 2004 after a failed attempt to rob a grocery store with his friends. He has now turned his life around and is an anti-crime activist.

He said after his arrest, he was sentenced to life in prison, but his sentence was later reduced to 10 years in prison after he was gang-raped by more than five inmates and that led him to contract HIV.

Social worker Sarina Khoza and the Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) team described their facility services.

Khoza said the facility is a one-stop shop that has been introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy, aiming to reduce secondary victimisation and to build a case ready for successful prosecution.

TCC was established in 2006, led by the NPA’s Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA), in partnership with various departments and donors as a response to the urgent need for an integrated strategy for prevention, response and support for rape victims.

Community members and other role-players lit candles on Monday in honour of the memory of people who have passed away, and people affected and infected by HIV/Aids.

The event ended with nurses, youth, and community members pledging to take care of each other and fight against the stigma.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel