CPUT’s HIV/AIDS Unit joined thousands across the globe on Monday, 16th May 2011 to remember those who have died of AIDS and support those who are living with the disease. On the 28th anniversary of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, Acting Head of the unit, Alex Semba says, “It was an honour to have such a great show of support from the CPUT community and the learners that we invited to be a part of the memorial in showing compassion and concern for people living with HIV/AIDS.”

“We heard remarks from Derrick Fine, founder of the Openly Positive Trust, Neliswa Nkwali of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Central SRC Secretary Siyabonga Ngozi, and our own Health Promotor Marius Harmsen. We were treated to beautiful songs by the CPUT Choir and their soloist. The event was also a chance for the audience to learn about the HIV/AIDS support services offered on campus,” says Semba.

Openly Positive displayed their newly launched book in which Harmsen’s story, ‘Too lazy to die’ is featured, as part of a collection of short stories titled Whisper Not - 15 Africans speak out on life and love beyond HIV. Another author, professional nurse and mother of four Ann Ray Ray also delivered a powerful personal testimony of living positively.

The book celebrates the lives of ordinary men and women from across Africa, relating their experiences of living with HIV. They say by no longer speaking in whispers about HIV and AIDS, one can live a healthy, full and positive life.

“Even if one couldn't attend the event yesterday, one can still be commemorate the memorial by lighting a candle in your private space in remembrance of those who have died, and in support of those who are living with HIV/AIDS”, says Semba.

More information about the Openly Positive book collection can be obtained from the HIV/AIDS Unit, located on the 2nd Floor, Cape Town campus Admin Building on Tel: 021 460 4253.

By: Thando J. Moiloa

Written by CPUT News
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On 17 August 2009, the Office of the Dean of Students hosted an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign for CPUT staff and students themed ‘Living Openly Positive’ at the Auditorium on the Bellville campus.

The campaign was the outcome of discussions held at meetings of the CPUT HEAIDS Institutional Organisation Committee (HICC), which is chaired by Dean of Students Cora Njoli Motale.

The inspiring programme featured speakers Derrick Fine and Elaine Maane from the Openly Positive Trust, who highlighted their personal experiences and discussed the responsibilities they faced after confirming their status.

They encouraged guests to come forward and fight stigma by sharing their stories and experiences of living with and being affected by HIV and AIDS.

The CPUT programme also featured several operatic melodies by the Gugulethu Tenors, a group of talented local youths with powerful voices.

Launched in 2007, the Openly Positive Trust is a non-profit organisation focused at building a “supportive, stigma-free environment for people living with HIV and AIDS” and helping them to live positively and disclose their status.

The trust aims to encourage “open living” with HIV and AIDS, to share the stories and experiences of people living with HIV and to be visible role models in promoting positive living, health and non-stigmatising communication around HIV/AIDS.

Other goals include working towards equality and non-discrimination for people living with the virus and implementing the GIPA Principle (the Greater Involvement of People living with HIV and AIDS) in policies, programmes and projects affecting communities.

Openly Positive also conducts workshops and talks, acts as an advocate for health and human rights and develops resources distributed in the organisations and institutions they serve.

Fine and Maane, two of the organisation’s four trustees, have lived with HIV/AIDS for over ten years and have authored the books Clouds Move and Umzala, which have been purchased by CPUT for the Campus Libraries.

In the near future, the trust will publish a new collection of stories from people living positively with HIV and those affected with AIDS based across the continent.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the trust’s website at www.openlypositive.com for more details on the upcoming project.

By Thando J. Moiloa

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.