Unisa online - UNISA commemorates 25th Annual International Aids Candlelight Me

Criselda Kananda addressing the crowd

On 16 May 2008 UNISA commemorated the 25th Annual International Aids Candlelight Memorial at the ZK Matthews Hall with a keynote address from Metro FM’S Positive Talk host Criselda Kananda.

Professor Narend Baijnath, Vice-Principal: Strategy, Planning and Partnerships, who presented the opening address emphasised that the vision that drives the University is service, and that the leadership of the University is driven by an ethic of care. He added that it was inspiring to see that there were volunteer workers both inside and outside the University in civil society dedicating themselves to dealing with the scourge of HIV/Aids.

Kananda addressed the crowd with passion and enthusiasm to join her in the fight against HIV/Aids. “We need to be agents of wellness, agents of change,” she urged the audience and they reciprocated with roaring screams.

The time is now to fight this disease

She said that in fighting this disease, one needs to focus on what can be done, on what is possible, and the time to do this is now.

Kananda appealed to the audience to take care of their bodies by replenishing it with healthy foods as a healthy lifestyle will help to strengthen their bodies against the virus. Eating fresh vegetables like carrots, beetroot, potatoes, tomatoes as well as pumpkin seeds can really support the immune system.

She spoke about 7 keys that need to be remembered:
1. Eat so we can sustain ourselves
2. Keep good company
3. We are all here for a purpose
4. Start focusing
5. Respect yourself
6. Respect for others and
7. Responsibility for one’s own actions

Kananda reminded the people that “the enemy is the virus and not the people”. There is a huge stigma that has become attached to HIV/Aids sufferers and this has to change. Together, HIV/Aids can be fought – and remember:

A- Am
I – I
D- doing
S - something?

Prof Baijnath presenting the opening address

Other Unisa online News | Latest | Archive