Knowing one’s status and adopting a healthy lifestyle was the topic of discussion at this year’s Graduate Alive Campaign held at the Mansfield Hall, Ritson Campus.

The annual event was initiated in 2010 and is co-ordinated by the University’s HIV/AIDS Centre. The campaign serves as a platform to encourage students to know their HIV statuses through HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT), thus empowering them to “graduate alive”.

Students from various universities, including Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Thekwini TVET College and Sol Plaatje University; a newly formed university in Kimberly, Northern Cape, attended the event.

DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Ahmed Bawa, delivered a compelling speech on supporting individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. He also emphasised the importance of taking care of oneself. “Not only is DUT an education institution, but it provides its students with a variety of platforms to address challenges they are faced with. HIV is not a death sentence. Know your status. HIV is controllable just like diabetes, asthma and other diseases. It is your responsibility to look after yourself”, he said.

Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, renowned Physician and Director and Head of the Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS), did a presentation that included the latest statistics on HIV/AIDS. According to the presentation, Africa has the highest rate of HIV infections and has the lowest rate of education. “Change will come from you (the youth). Education is an essential tool to fight diseases and to empower society”, he said, adding that HIV is a manageable and controllable disease.

Radio personality and HIV activist, Pamela Kolesnicof, known as “Pamela K” among her listeners, educated students about HIV. She gave scenarios that emphasised the importance of good decision-making and spoke about living “positively”.

-Talent Buthelezi

Pictured: Guest speakers together with DUT personnel at the annual Graduate Alive Campaign.