Media Release: George Municipality held an Aids Candlelight Memorial ceremony to raise awareness about HIV/Aids
Issued by George Municipality 23 May 2023 for immediate release
George Municipality held an Aids Candlelight Memorial ceremony last week to raise awareness about HIV/Aids and break down the stigma around this illness.
According to Cllr Enrico Figland, Member of the Community Development Committee in Council, said the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, is not only an opportunity to remember the people we have lost but also to honour those who dedicated their lives to helping people living with and affected by HIV and continue to mobilise our communities in solidarity. People living with HIV started the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in 1983 and since then there have been thousands of events organised across the world by community-based organisations, from motorbike rallies by women living with HIV to uplifting ceremonies in places of worship and workplaces. Such events have helped raise awareness about HIV and more importantly have helped break down stigma within our communities.
“The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is also a campaign to mobilise communities and raise social consciousness about HIV and AIDS. With almost 8.5 million people living with HIV today since June 2022, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial serves as an important platform for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations,” Figland said.
The event was held at the Lawaaikamp Community Hall with members from the community who assist people affected by HIV/Aids or people who have directly been affected by the virus. Teachers and learners from Tyholora Primary School were also invited to the event as part of the community outreach.
Past Allen Spies, lead pastor at the Pacaltsdorp AFM church, was a motivational speaker at the event. He asked the attendees at the event to not stop doing good. Spies said even if people do not acknowledge you, God will reward you. He especially asked the adults to help and assist the youngsters in need to the top of the mountain.
Jonathan Fortuin, official from George Municipality Community Development said the theme for 2023 is “Spread Love and Solidarity to Build Stronger Communities”. It highlights the significant challenges that people living with HIV face due to persistent stigma and discrimination leading to feelings of shame, self-doubt and isolation. This may prevent individuals from seeking the care and support they need. By addressing both stigma and self-stigma, we can help stop the perpetual negative language around HIV transmission, myths and misinformation about life with HIV, and end HIV stigma and discrimination that have long been a barrier to effective HIV prevention and treatment.
Captions:
Officials and members of the public and representatives from Tyholora Primary School with hampers that will go to vulnerable families.
Lighting candles at the ceremony are from Willbedine Jordaan, Coordinator of the HIV/Aids office at Community Development, George Municipality, Janine Edwards, Social Worker at George Municipality, Past. Allen Spies, motivational speaker, Cllr Enrico Figland, motivational speaker and Jonathan Fortuin, MC at the event and official from Community Development.
Community members at the event take part in the candlelight ceremony to remember those that passed on due to the illness.
Community members at the event take part in the candlelight ceremony to remember those that passed on due to the illness.
