George Municipality celebrates Khomanani Day in Herold

George Municipality celebrates Khomanani Day in Herold

The George Municipality annually celebrates Khomanani Day, a national mobilisation campaign focusing on HIV/Aids and its effects and this year it was the community of Herold’s turn to be showed some love by the Municipality.

More than a 100 people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS, with the theme Afrika day, turned up to the event. SHE (Social Health and Empowerment), a non-profit organisation, Bethesda Medical and Relief Services and the department of Health were also part of the day and delivered services to the community.

The Municipality did a wellness programme which included motivational speeches by a political leader, health care professionals and other persons of interest.

Portfolio Councillor for Community Development, Cllr Sean Snyman, gave a motivational speech in which he encouraged people to rise above their circumstances and to support each other.  He said people living with HIV/AIDS does not need sympathy because that does not help them, but they need support and love to carry them through the tough times. Snyman drew from his own experiences, being in an accident and losing the use of his right arm. He inspired the crowd to use their talents and turn them into jobs and start food gardens. “Don’t wait for the Municipality to bring a food parcel or wait on the government for a grant. Don’t keep looking at your problems otherwise you will not see the solution,” Snyman said. He also thanked the health staff and the Municipality officials for their support.

Snyman said HIV/Aids is not a death sentence, with the help of medication and support it is a life change.

“Sell yourself to yourself in the mirror and rest of the world will also want to buy you,” Snyman concluded.

Hester September, a member from the local community also shared a motivational speech about her struggles with regards to health issues she encountered and how she coped through it.

Willbedine Jordaan, Acting HIV/AIDS Coordinator, handed 100 food parcels to all the attendees as a symbol of love and support from the Municipality.

As part of the day’s activities, HIV testing and counselling was also done and each person that tested, received a small gift.

Caption

 Willbedine Jordaan from Community Development(right) handing over a food parcel to Johanna Diedericks