Leading actor Kwenzo Ngcobo is advocating for HIV/Aids awareness by joining the #ForeverWena campaign to encourage the youth to get tested.
The campaign strives to, “effectively and transparently lead educational conversations on significant subjects like HIV and AIDS.”
In his efforts to encourage South Africa's youth to get tested for HIV and fight the stigma associated with the disease, he combined style with purpose at the Hollywoodbets Durban July event last weekend, by donning a specially created Imprint ZA suit with prints of condoms and empowering messages.
Explaining why he had joined the #ForeverWena campaign, Ngcobo said: “.My passion for this collaboration was driven by the countless stigmas and misconceptions that still surround the virus. This is a call to action for us all to stay up to date with the world around us and choose ForeverWena.”
The KZN-born celebrity said he wanted to interact with the younger generation because his home province had the highest HIV infection rate (27.7%).
“Not only am I from KZN, but I would also like to use this opportunity to engage young people in the conversation about HIV and AIDS. Young people are the future, and focusing this largely within the Durban community, their involvement is crucial in the fight against HIV and AIDS. KZN is the province most affected by HIV, with an infection rate of 27.7%.”
He added that he had observed the stigma and misunderstandings about HIV/AIDS in casual talks, and hoped to dispel the misconceptions and get people to grasp the truth about HIV and AIDS
Ngcobo also wants to mobilise people to act, get tested, and become aware of their situation: “It's disheartening to see how these myths are often accepted as facts. This has fuelled my commitment to join the #ForeverWena campaign, which aims to openly and effectively facilitate educational discussions on these important issues.”
He urged people to get involved or support the campaign:“Join the conversation with #ForeverWena or engage with the WhatsApp chatbot by simply texting ‘Hi’ to +27(0)84 952 6152, selecting their preferred language, and learn more about making informed sexual health choices.”
Ngcobo has enlisted alongside former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida, who is also actively participating in the campaign, promoting HIV prevention and awareness and empowering the youth through education and self-management.
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za