Last week, the HIV/AIDS Centre at the Durban University of Technology hosted the First Thing’s First Campaign which aims to help South African students fulfill their destinies by encouraging them, as future leaders, to be responsible, get tested for HIV and empower themselves by knowing their HIV status.
Endorsed by the national Department of Health, the HIV counselling and education campaign was first launched in 2011 and seeks to facilitate the transition to tertiary life, which may prove especially challenging to first year students.
We spoke to some of the students who participated in the campaign and this is what they had to say.
Happiness Mkhize, Catering Management student
“I was very nervous about testing but when I got inside the tent, the counsellor was very nice to me and so I slowly began to calm down as she was telling me how the testing will happen. I believe everyone should be tested regularly in order to be safe.”
Phiwayinkosi Zulu, Information Technology student
“I make sure that I go for a blood test every three months just to be sure of my HIV status. Today, I came because I want to encourage my friends who are scared to know their about statuses. I want them to see that there is nothing to be frightened of.”
Sinethemba Xhantibe, Catering Management student
“It wasn’t my first time testing but I was still nervous. You never really get over the nerves because even when you know that you are HIV negative, you start to think ‘what if something goes wrong?’ and stuff like that. But now that I know, I’m relieved.”
Sbonga Zulu, Chemistry student
“It’s a good thing that were are being allowed a chance to be tested on campus because some of us don’t always get a chance to go to a clinic where we come from or maybe we stay very far from the clinic so this campaign really helps.”
Sabelo Ngema, Business Information Management student
“I’ve been very naughty in the last few years and so today after hearing about the HIV testing here at Ritson Campus, I decided for the first time in my entire life to do the test. I’m okay with my results and from now on, I will test regularly and take good care of myself.”
– Bongani Gema and Sthabile Gwala
Picture credit: Sthabile Gwala
