UPDATE: Outcry over shock HIV confession
'Mike' shared his story with the Zululand Observer, and revealed his dark secret
THERE has been a massive public outcry following the shocking revelation of an HIV positive man who is apparently passing on the virus to hundreds of women.
‘Mike’ shared his story with the Zululand Observer, and revealed his dark secret.
He said he is sleeping with women without using any protection and deliberately spreading the virus so that he would not ‘die alone’.
Not only were residents horrified by his confession but most believe action must be taken against the culprit and young women must be educated to be wary of older men.
‘Campaigns to teach young girls to be independent must be strengthened. They are at a vulnerable age and need guidance.
‘We must make sure we educate them to become smart women who know what they want and can’t be tempted by these older men,’ said uThungulu Aids activist, 32 year-old Simphiwe Gumede.
She said empowering young girls with proper knowledge will ensure older men or ‘blessers’ don’t have anyone to target.
‘We are fighting for an HIV-free generation and these men and women who willingly spread the virus are taking us back, but it is up to us to empower ourselves and fight them,’ she said.
After this story was published it made the rounds on social media and was shared to many universities in the province.
‘Unfortunately we know a lot of Mikes around the township,’ said Mfisongafi Dlakadla on Facebook.
Tina Van Winkel said: ‘That is very cruel… how does he live with himself he should be jailed,’
Talking to the Zululand Observer on Friday, the Director of LifeLine Zululand, Michelle Jewlal, said collaboration between various structures is essential to drive the massage to communities.
‘Together we need to create movement which will benefit communities, whether in townships or urban areas.
‘People like ‘Mike’ probably suffer from psychological problems. What we need to do is to create effective campaigns which will have an impact in our society.’
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