GEORGE NEWS - A packed programme with inspirational speakers, dancing, poetry reading and music was dished up by the Department of Health and George Municipality on Friday to commemorate International Aids Day in the George Civic Centre banqueting hall.

Roseline Smith bravely told her story of overcoming the initial shock of being diagnosed with HIV and facing living with the virus. She had gone for a test 14 years ago after her boyfriend was tested positive for the virus. "I was faithful to my boyfriend, so there could be no one else who could have infected me. He has since passed away," she said.

Roseline is keeping a positive outlook en is enjoying a healthy, full life thanks to anti-retroviral medication. She summed it up for her young audience: "Every person with HIV is loved by some people and hated by others, despised and respected. Fortunately most are enjoying the support of their families and counsellors."

Bulelwa Juta-Leeuw, an assistant in social mobilisation in the Health Department's HAST programme (for HIV/Aids and sexually transmitted diseases), said that the department has been working towards more youth-friendly clinics and have offered parenting skills courses. These programmes are being rolled out in response to requests from the youth which came forth from a survey on what the youth's obstacles are in accessing health care and living a healthy life. She urged the youth to nurture a positive attitude and said young women must know their inner strength and take responsibility for their own health.The winners of the poetry competition held for young women with the theme 'Life of a Young Woman' were Lindi Joubert of George (15 to 19-year-olds) and Nolusindiso Peyi of Knysna (20 to 25-year-olds).

George Herald's own poet and one of the competition judges, Siphokazi Kraai, elicited loud applause with her rendition of one of her own poems. The Afrikaans judge, poet Myra Lochner from Myrataal, gave some handy pointers to aspiring poets.

A touching candle-lighting ceremony and a mass releasing of red balloons in the front garden concluded a lovely programme led by a witty master of ceremonies, Shaun Mbuqe.

More photos here.


Roseline Smith with judges Myra Lochner and Siphokazi Kraai (right). Photo: Alida de Beer

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