The learners and teachers from Intshayelelo, Kuyasa No1, Luleka, Siphiwo and Umthawelanga Primaries left all the duties of the day in their schools to show support to those who are infected and affected of HIV/AIDS.The Candle Light Memorial Day was also celebrated by other schools and organisations around townships.

It was the first time the schools gathered together to celebrate the day as a cluster.

Khosi Lottering, HIV/AIDS co-ordinator said: “It is a touchy issue that people are still not taking the issue of HIV seriously.

Parents do not want to disclose their status to their kids and that is affecting the kids a lot, because they just hear about their parent’s HIV status on the streets, parents must tell them. Sometimes parents take their stress out on their kids and abuse them. It is still hard to accept and disclose.

“When they are sick, they just think that it is the dead case. ‘The teachers as well, they do not want to participate on the issues of HIV, because they think that when they participate the community think they are also HIV positive, it is not like that,” Lottering said. “In an organisation which is formed by a lot of people, you will find only two men, they do not want to join. The churches must also join in on the struggle against HIV/ AIDS.”Lottering said only God can come up with the Solution and she said people must accept Jesus Christ so they will be able to abstain.Patricia Njozela, Peer Educator who has been living with HIV since 2002 said:

“I knew about my status during pregnancy. My son is negative, because of Nevarapin.“People must do a blood test while they still look healthy, because when you are already sick the chances of getting help will be slim. The youth must abstain until marriage.‘ “It is important that. It was difficult for me to accept at first, but the support I got from the support group played a vital role on that,” Njozela said. The officials from the Department of Education also attended on the day.