HIV is not an enemy but a friend that likes to be treated right and be fed well.
This is the sentiment shared by Bongekile Mbatha, who has been living with the virus for 20 years now.
The 57-year-old from Nkandla, northern KZN, was among Nkandla residents who commemorated World Aids Day at Nkandla Indoors sport centre on Thursday, 1 December.
She revealed if it wasn’t for the ARVs, she wouldn’t be alive today.
Bongekile said she first accepted HIV as a friend and in order for her to keep the relationship strong, she had to take good care of the friend living inside her.
The mother of two was very ill in 2001. She said she was in and out of hospital.
“I was in and out of the hospital because of a runny tummy. I would stay in hospital for three days and be discharged when I feel better. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me until I heard people talking about HIV and the symptoms. That’s when I decided to take a test,” she said.
Bongekile said she tested positive but in her mind she knew that the only thing that would spare her life was to start ARVS immediately.
“I was residing in Gauteng at that time and I had to pack my bags and go back to Nkandla. For me I didn’t care what people were saying because the only thing that mattered then was to save my life,” she said.
Bongekile said that when she got home, she had to sit her mother and her two children down and make them understand that she was starting ARVS because she tested positive for HIV.
“I was so shocked to see them supporting my decision. From there, I never looked back. I am still alive because I chose to make HIV my friend,” she said.
Bongekile said she encourages young people to go and test and if they test positive they must take their treatment.
“HIV is not a death sentence but if you do not take ARVS you will die,” she said.
