Our Stories
Nancy's Story
Nancy's name has been changed to protect her privacy
At first she used to cry at every support group meeting. Nancy was physically weakened by HIV. Emotionally
she was stretched to breaking point, shocked at her HIV status and fearing for her children’s should she die. Her husband was accusing her of bringing the virus into the home, beating her body with his fists, and cutting her soul with his words.
She has come along way since those early days. Today you will see a healthy woman whose eyes are full of
life. Izandla Zethemba staff visited in her home regularly listening to her pour out her heart, giving her hugs and prayers. From the weekly support group she received information and courage to take healing steps in her life. She started ARVs and her health has slowly returned. She was introduced to Jesus who gave her hope and purpose. She prayed unceasingly for her husband. Recently he has come to terms with his HIV status, and so no longer takes out his anger with abuse. The training that Nancy received has equipped her to be employed as a counsellor by a local clinic.
Nancy’s life shows that the right support can enable a person to triumph over HIV.
At first she used to cry at every support group meeting. Nancy was physically weakened by HIV. Emotionally
she was stretched to breaking point, shocked at her HIV status and fearing for her children’s should she die. Her husband was accusing her of bringing the virus into the home, beating her body with his fists, and cutting her soul with his words.
She has come along way since those early days. Today you will see a healthy woman whose eyes are full of
life. Izandla Zethemba staff visited in her home regularly listening to her pour out her heart, giving her hugs and prayers. From the weekly support group she received information and courage to take healing steps in her life. She started ARVs and her health has slowly returned. She was introduced to Jesus who gave her hope and purpose. She prayed unceasingly for her husband. Recently he has come to terms with his HIV status, and so no longer takes out his anger with abuse. The training that Nancy received has equipped her to be employed as a counsellor by a local clinic.
Nancy’s life shows that the right support can enable a person to triumph over HIV.
Simon's story
Simon's name has been changed to protect his privacy
When Simon’s mother told him she had HIV he didn’t really understand what that meant. His father had a few
years back, and all that Simon could think now was that his mother was also going to die and that he would be left with no parent. This would bother him most of the time, until he learnt more about the illness through the Izandla Zethemba Children Support Group.
Simon is 17 years old and lives, together with his mother and two siblings in an informal settlement
called KTC. He joined the Children Support Group in 2006. He explains that it was the love, care and peace as well as the teachings he received at the group that have given him hope and strength. He gained more understanding of the disease. The fact that he was surrounded by other orphaned and vulnerable
children and others affected by HIV made things easier for him. To him HIV is now like any other disease. Now he encourages one of his friends in similar situation to his to join the OVC.
“Most of the boys I grew up with are engaged in criminal activities’ says Simon “ I am glad that I got an opportunity to be part of this group because we have people who care for us and they always make sure that we make wise choices”
When Simon’s mother told him she had HIV he didn’t really understand what that meant. His father had a few
years back, and all that Simon could think now was that his mother was also going to die and that he would be left with no parent. This would bother him most of the time, until he learnt more about the illness through the Izandla Zethemba Children Support Group.
Simon is 17 years old and lives, together with his mother and two siblings in an informal settlement
called KTC. He joined the Children Support Group in 2006. He explains that it was the love, care and peace as well as the teachings he received at the group that have given him hope and strength. He gained more understanding of the disease. The fact that he was surrounded by other orphaned and vulnerable
children and others affected by HIV made things easier for him. To him HIV is now like any other disease. Now he encourages one of his friends in similar situation to his to join the OVC.
“Most of the boys I grew up with are engaged in criminal activities’ says Simon “ I am glad that I got an opportunity to be part of this group because we have people who care for us and they always make sure that we make wise choices”
John's story
John's name has been changed to protect his privacy
“At first I struggled a lot because my friends were teasing me, they called me names”. John’s friends tried their best to persuade him not to join Peer Education. But he was interested – very interested. There was a tiny spark of hope that his life might change.
John, aged 16, lives in Thambo Village with his family. Two years ago he was arrested for burglary. He didn’t
given school much attention, failing his grade 10 and having to repeat it. Last year, motivated by a romantic interest in a girl, he started attending Khanyisa Community Church. Despite sitting in church on Sundays, he was still part his gang, involved in violence and was himself stabbed.
One morning at church he heard about the Peer Education Programme and it caught his attention. He knew he
needed to be part of it, and kept coming despite his gangster buddies best efforts to keep him away.
He now has new friends. He has quit drugs. He listens to his parents and shows respect. His parents and siblings were always careful with their wallets around him as he used to steal from them just to buy drugs. They tell us that he is now a good person who encourages his friends to become better people. “I’m glad that I had made that choice because I have learnt a lot of things regarding myself, HIV/AIDS, sexuality, drugs, crime and many other things that affect young people”, he concluded.
“At first I struggled a lot because my friends were teasing me, they called me names”. John’s friends tried their best to persuade him not to join Peer Education. But he was interested – very interested. There was a tiny spark of hope that his life might change.
John, aged 16, lives in Thambo Village with his family. Two years ago he was arrested for burglary. He didn’t
given school much attention, failing his grade 10 and having to repeat it. Last year, motivated by a romantic interest in a girl, he started attending Khanyisa Community Church. Despite sitting in church on Sundays, he was still part his gang, involved in violence and was himself stabbed.
One morning at church he heard about the Peer Education Programme and it caught his attention. He knew he
needed to be part of it, and kept coming despite his gangster buddies best efforts to keep him away.
He now has new friends. He has quit drugs. He listens to his parents and shows respect. His parents and siblings were always careful with their wallets around him as he used to steal from them just to buy drugs. They tell us that he is now a good person who encourages his friends to become better people. “I’m glad that I had made that choice because I have learnt a lot of things regarding myself, HIV/AIDS, sexuality, drugs, crime and many other things that affect young people”, he concluded.