People living with HIV virus are often stigmatised to the point where they are expected to stay locked up in their houses and never step out. The weird way people look at them in the society is enough to make them depressed as most people worry about sharing personal effects with them
As a matter of fact, it is not the virus that kills people, it is depression often experienced by those living with the virus that sends them to an early grave. However, Motsumi had fought her own battles within; she had wrestled with her thoughts and have decided to come clean after putting the demons where they belong. She is one hell of a fighter as she is not ready to let her status define her. Lebo, as she is fondly called, has her eyes fixed on the brighter side of life as she is not ready to cave in to depression that often comes with that status. She is an HIV activist who has chaired many gatherings aimed at encouraging young people who are living with the virus.Lebo got to know about her status in year 2009 after her ex-boyfriend shared his status. She felt she could test positive to the virus but refused to admit it could every happen to her. She was healthy about this time and did not see the need to go for a test as she thought she was beyond the virus.
She acknowledged in an interview that a late Kwaito singer, Tebogo ‘Zombo’ Ndlovu infected her with the virus. The saddest part was that she was never in love with him as she claimed to have been with him for the fame. She was a naive seventeen-year-old who got more than what she bargained for.
This beautiful young lady was diagnosed with the virus in 2009 even though she did not accept her new status till 2011. She was pregnant then and was faced with the decision of protecting the growing child in her. She joined a youth support group which made her realise she was not the only one living with the virus. Lebogang sees herself as the host to the virus as she is not willing to let it take charge of her life. Her daughter was born and protected from the virus. She has refused to get limited by her status as she runs her own support organisation.
She uses her medications actively even though it is a challenge. The beautiful mother of one does not see herself as the virus; rather, she sees herself as a strong person. She believes the mind could be a great cure for this virus.
She advised the youths to always use protection if they do not have the patience to wait till after marriage to have sex. This is because you can never tell what your partner is doing behind you. This advice is the same one that has been heard by youths many times, yet it is considered to be the most effective way of being safe when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases.
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