Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - March 26, 2006
Victor Khupiso
A TEMBISA man who was given just three months to live after being diagnosed with HIV threw himself a party last week - to celebrate a decade of survival.
HIV/Aids activist Solomon Zimba, 31, hosted the party last Saturday to prove that being diagnosed with the virus "does not mean the end of the world".
Clad in Xhosa attire, Zimba slaughtered a cow and danced the night away, surrounded by more than 200 family members and friends.
The celebration was in stark contrast to his reaction to his diagnosis in November 1996, when he tried to commit suicide.
"I hanged myself from the rafters of my home because the stigma attached to Aids at that time was just so great.
"I was ostracised and decided to end my life. Luckily, a neighbour found me before it was too late and saved me."
The stigma was so intense that taxi drivers refused to let him sit in their vehicles and shop owners refused to serve him. He was also expelled from his church after revealing his status.
"People would not talk to me, let alone shake my hand, as they thought that they would also contract the virus."
Of his party, Zimba said: "It was a simple, traditional affair where I wanted to prove to the people that I'm stronger than the virus. The virus is there, but it doesn't have any power over me."
Zimba, whose wife, Nolundi, and eight-year-old son, Ayabulela, do not have the disease, said at least six "close" members of his family have died of Aids-related illnesses over the years.
Zimba's status led him to establish the Zimbani Projects Centre in his area, in 1999, where he counsels HIV-positive people and teaches them skills such as beadwork and plastic recycling.
He said it helped them keep their morale up.
"When I was diagnosed I went through hell and it was not easy to accept my fate, so I know what others go through.
"People are surprised as to why I'm celebrating while others who are HIV-positive are sad and cursing the world. But I live a positive life that I hope to project onto others."
Last Saturday Zimba danced not just to celebrate but to make a point to his guests.
"I danced in front of them to show them that I was normal like them. They were amazed by my stamina and energy.
"This party was to celebrate and thank God for giving me time to show the world that living with the virus does not mean a death sentence."
060326
ST060308
Copyright © 2006 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .