Discovery Health Sports Heroes Walk Against HIV/AIDS
According to National Statistics, Mpumalanga has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS with Gert Sibande being the highest as it is a gateway to neighbouring countries and provinces. Taking place on the eve of the launch of 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse and culminating to World Aids Day.
The Mpumalanga Department’s of Culture, Sport and Recreation and Health along with the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature and Discovery Health joined forces with Sports Heroes to spread awareness in an effort to curb the scourge of HIV/AIDS and promote healthy living. As a Department mandated to promote physical activities and encourage participation in Sport, the Department of culture, sport and recreation distributed sport attire and equipment to local schools and clubs throughout the province until December 1st, International World Aids Day.
First stop was Driefontein at Mkhondo Local Municipality where the Department presented the community with a Public Library on 24 September. MEC Norah Mahlangu – Mabena led by example by joining the people of Driefontein during the 5km run/walk which was enjoyed by young and old. Beauty Grootboom the local ambassador of HIV/AIDS who has been living with the disease for 14 years is living proof that healthy living can ensure that one lives a long and happy life. Having lost her husband over 10 years ago to the disease, Beauty continues to preach the importance of knowing your status and commended the organisers. Some of the Sports Heroes included Comrades Marathon winner Josiah Thugwane.
Discovery Health presented Thembelihle Home Based Care with a cheque of fifty thousand rands (R50 000) which they will use to ensure that the people of Driefontein continue to be taken care of, whilst Legislature donated sanitary towels. Izimbali Combined and Emoyeni Combined School’s received netball, soccer and volleyball sets whilst Mkhondo Strikers Volleyball club, Wakkerstroom Eagles Male Volleyball Club, Piet Retief Aquatics and Piet Retief Handball Club all received club development attire.