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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Gay rights activist and leader of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Zackie Achmat, recently addressed Cape Peninsula University of Technology Public Relations students during their weekly forum.

The forum sees representatives from organisations addressing students on various topics in order to give them exposure to communication issues outside of their classroom walls.

With students currently discussing Political Communication in class, Achmat, who was also an active anti-Apartheid activist, proved to be the ideal speaker for the forum held on 26 September, 2008.

Achmat touched on various issues relating to communication in his area of activism. He said after 10 years in operation, the TAC faces many battles due to the misrepresentations of HIV/Aids advertisements. He said communication around the disease needs constant monitoring to ensure the public is correctly informed.

Achmat also appealed to all South Africans, small businesses and corporate companies, to take up socially responsibility and become involved in “activism within the country”.

“With a government geared towards dealing with HIV/Aids and a community more involved with assisting in combating the rapid spread of the pandemic, the TAC can concentrate on other health issues, which too need attention,” he said. This includes working towards creating a unified health system to bridge the vast gap between the countries public and private health sectors.

“By gaining the necessary help, the TAC will be able to operate on a broader spectrum and ultimately achieve their vision, which is to educate, promote and develop an understanding and commitment within all communities of developments in HIV/Aids treatment,” he said.

Achmat also expressed his approval of the recent cabinet changes.

“The appointment of Barbara Hogan as the new Health Minister will assist the TAC in furthering their goals and dreams for every human being to have access to healthcare, but to also rather appeal to a government which recognises that Africa and the world have an HIV/Aids crisis,” he said.

By Jade Snyman

Written by CPUT News
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