Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times, South Africa - Sunday, October 18, 1998
Lesley Mofokeng
She learnt that she was HIV positive in November 1995 after a dental operation. At the time that she most needed the support of her family and friends, she was ostracised and driven from her home in Orange Farm.
Today she is part of the Wolanani Support Group at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, which provides an emotional sanctuary from abuse and ridicule for about 700 people with AIDS whose lives have been torn apart by ignorance and disinformation.
Maki's first call after her diagnosis was to her mother, who was at work in Rosebank. "She was angry with me. I cried after I spoke to her.
"Then even my two children started to avoid me."
Branded a risk to her family, she was not allowed to use the family crockery and utensils. She was told to use an old cup and a plastic plate.
Eventually forced to leave home with just R5 in her pocket, she headed for the city centre, planning to live as a hobo.
She was found by a woman who took her to the Bethesda Home for children with HIV/AIDS in Soweto and then introduced her to Wolanani.
At the centre people are encouraged to discuss the disease and their problems at home and in the community.
Glen Mabuza, the project manager at Wolanani, says people with AIDS feel it is a place where they can talk about their disease.
Ten field workers are involved in the project. Six have AIDS.
Most of the residents of Wolanani are women. They are involved in income-generating activities and make colourful table cloths, curtains and serviettes.
Mabuza believes that by selling these products to the community, the women can help to overcome the stigma associated with AIDS.
They undergo one-to-one training and group counselling is part of the programme, and they are also trained in sexuality and gender issues, and public speaking.
Maki now has more courage to talk about what she is going through and delivers speeches about AIDS in churches and schools.
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