Thousands commemorate World Aids Day in Durban

“It is my right to know my status; Prevention is my responsibility” - with these words KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube opened the eThekwini commemorations of this year's World Aids Day where she was joined by eThekwini Mayor Cllr Zandile Gumede. The commemorations were hosted at the Rydalvale Sports Ground in Ward 49, Phoenix, in eThekwini Metro. The event saw close to two thousand community members coming together to remember the plight of those who are affected by this disease and the lives that have been lost to it. MEC Dube started at the Phoenix Taxi rank where she promoted a healthy life, distributed pamphlets and condoms.

 

“It is my right to know my status; Prevention is my responsibility” – with these words KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube opened the eThekwini commemorations of this year’s World Aids Day where she was joined by eThekwini Mayor Cllr Zandile Gumede.

The commemorations were hosted at the Rydalvale Sports Ground in Ward 49, Phoenix, in eThekwini Metro. The event saw close to two thousand community members coming together to remember the plight of those who are affected by this disease and the lives that have been lost to it.

“Our commemorations today should be a reminder to all of us that the battle is not yet won against the disease that has caused so much pain and heartache in our communities. It has left many households headed by children. As the Provincial Government, we will never cease to work with our communities to eliminate this disease,” said Dube-Ncube.

“As we commemorate this day today, we are joined by millions across the world as this disease knows no skin colour. We fully comprehend that this virus is not just a health challenge, but rather a challenge that impacts negatively on our daily social, cultural and economic activities. As communities we therefore have to take a stand against it,” continued Dube-Ncube.

In her address, the Mayor of eThekwini urged communities to fight against HIV/Aids-related stigma and discrimination. “People who suffer from this disease are our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. We need to support people who are infected and affected by it as great progress has been made to ensure that people are able to live normal lives even though they may suffer from it,” said Gumede.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

 

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