The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) at DUT hosted a session to mark World AIDS Day at the Steve Biko Campus…
1 December 2011
Use a condom every time
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) at DUT hosted a session to mark World AIDS Day at the Steve Biko Campus. A 38 year-old mother of two sons, Nomvula Shale shared her story of what the virus has put her through, and what she sees in the future. “I found out that I was HIV positive on the 16th of November 1995 and since then it has been a painful, lonely journey for me. My social worker told me I only had six months to live and it was really agonizing,” said Nomvula.
She explained that many of her relationships fell apart. Her partner dumped her, her friends betrayed her trust after she told them her status, her church discriminated against her, but she found hope when her family opened their arms and treated her as the same person they knew and loved.
However the betrayal of her friends led to a horrible experience. “I was invited to a party with my friends and I noticed that nobody would share a glass with me, nobody would touch me and they treated me as though my skin was a threat to them until a friend called me to the ladies room and told me that the reaction was because of my status,” she said.
Her journey has had many lonely nights and tears but she thanks God for always being there for her and her mother, who has been a pillar of strength.
Nomvula has recovered from a CD4 count of 4 to an impressive one of 362. She says the disease will claim her body one day, but she won’t let it take her spirit as she wants to die with dignity as she is human, first above everything else. She said in conclusion that HIV doesn’t control her life, she does.
A play by The Health and Wellness Theatre group followed her moving speech with a simple, strong message that many people will never eat a bubblegum that somebody else has already chewed. But, people are willing to exchange body fluids during sex. The message was clear: Use a condom every time.
Sam Rajcoomar, EAP Specialist said: We had 140 employees attending the event this year. I am pleased with the reception of this programme by staff.” She encouraged staff to utilize the services offered by EAP and would like to see even more attend next year’s event. “The advice offered here today can make a difference to your life, the lives of your family and your community,” added Sam.
About Nomvula:
Nomvula Shale is a single mother of two sons, a member of United Congregational Church and a motivational speaker on HIV&AIDS issues, a counselor, and a director of the Siphila Ngomusa HIV Foundation.
She is studying Psychology and is a contract worker at Reality Training Concept as a facilitator and a counselor where she provide HIV/AIDS in the work place. Nomvula is a part-time counselor at Thembalethu Care Centre where she provide counseling to terminally ill patients.
Nomvula has addressed thousands of young people in schools, communities and in churches. She hosted a talk show in 2005 -2006 on Radio Highway (Siphila Ngomusa) and she is running a talk show at Imbokodo FM. Nomvula started a support group in 2005 with eleven members, but she now has more than 200 members of the Siphila Ngomusa Support Group.
– Nqobizizwe Zwane
