DUT’s HIV/AIDS Centre has urged students to graduate alive during one of its campaign dialogue that recently took place at the Mansfield Hall, DUT Ritson Campus.

The dialogue was hosted by the Centre in collaboration with the University’s Alumni Relations Department as well as the Student Governance and Development Department. The conversation was aimed at increasing awareness regarding HIV/AIDS.

Panellists consisted of members from the University’s Student Representative Council (SRC), club society leaders and DUT students.

“We are encouraging students to take care of their lives so that when they graduate, they are healthy and well,” said Thobile Zulu, DUT HIV/AIDS Centre Manager. “We also encourage students to access health related institutions such as the Isolempilo Campus Health Clinic as well as the Student Counselling Department,” said Zulu.

Euvette Taylor, also from the HIV/AIDS Centre, expressed concern and disappointment at students who have romantic relationship with older men – otherwise known as “sugar daddies” – saying those students are putting their well-being at risk.

Patience Mutsrairigwa, a Peer Educator at DUT, urged students to change their behaviour in order for them to graduate alive. “As peer educators, we encourage students to take good care of their lives. We also encourage them to practice safe sex and take all necessary precaution measures,” said Mutsrairigwa.

Siyondla Sithole, member of the South African Students Congress (SASCO), said, “We must make sure that we not only speak but also take action. When we go back to our communities, we must try and encourage people to take their lives because HIV/AIDS is real and it kills,” said Sithole.

– Sihle Ndebele

Pictured: Bonginkosi Khanyile, Siyondla Sithole, Siyajabula Champion, Patience Mutsrairigwa and Zama Mncube who were panellists at the Graduate Alive Dialogue.