Waterberg FET college celebrates World Aids Day

The College held a Waterberg FET College CEO Mr. SP Mailula welcomed everyone and urges all present to avoid engaging themselves in risky activities.
“People have information about HIV and AIDS but choose to be ignorant. Make use of the information to safeguard and protect yourself, let’s be supportive to the infected ones. Let this information be your weapon. I will test for HIV and I urge you to follow the suit, it is important to know your status,” said Mr. Mailula.
Candles were lit in commemorating those who were killed by HIV and AIDS pandemic during the World AIDS Day function the Waterberg FET College held in partnership with the Red Cross at its Hotel School on December 1.
The keynote address was delivered by HIV Ambassador Charels Maponya from Turfloop, a young man who lives with HIV and AIDS. This brave and passionate man shared his story openly. “I am HIV positive and I decided to disclose my status. I have got a child, siblings and family to live for. In fact if you hide your status-then it automatically means you infect innocent souls,” he said.
“Living with HIV is simple, I am a living testimony. I was diagnosed when I was 21 years of age in 2003. Safely I can say HIV doesn’t kill as I am still strong, handsome and charming.” He quoted Mahatta Maghandi: “Be the change you want to see in the world”.
“Diabetes is the number one killer in the world while HIV and AIDS is manageable, treatable and controllable. Next year I am planning to throw myself a party for my 10-year HIV Anniversary,” Maponya said.
Maponya told delegates how he “signed a contract” with the virus. “I sat down on my chair opposite the virus, and then we agreed there will be no breach of contract. I am Lesiba and this HIV is Lesibana to me (indicating how small it is) HIV lives in my blood so if it wants to live then it has to let me live. If it kills me then it will automatically die. So I will live with it until the cure is found.”
He concluded by saying that people should live responsibly and healthy. Get tested for HIV and if you are positive then you should bear in mind that HIV is not a life sentence and it is not the end of the world. After the proceedings the College staff went for HIV tests.