Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - May 27, 2007

The way to conquer this disease is to accept, stay positive and forgive.

And most of all, have faith in God because he is our creator. He knows when we are going to die.

I always tell people that I will die when it is my time with God.

I am living and I am enjoying my life.

Most of all I am happy because I know my status. This is very important.

When I have a headache I just tell myself that I have it as anybody else can.

In my church when they talk about Aids, they treat it like any disease.

Stay less stressed, eat properly and take medication correctly. Then you will live your life in full.

People die because they don't talk. It is not easy to talk at the beginning but as time goes by you will talk to someone you can trust.

For me, talking helps me a lot because the more you talk about it the better you become. At work, they know about my health.

So do my kids, my parents, my close friends and my church.

When you are open about yourself you feel free because you know that you have nothing to hide in your heart.

From this disease I have learnt to forgive and to understand what other people are going through.

Here are my tips:

# Get tested and know your status;

# Have one partner. If you don't trust her or him, use condom; and

# Stay positive, love yourself, live your life to the full, take your medication correctly, eat healthy food. - Julia Tshabalala

# Clinical psychologists Khumo Seopela and Kgamadi Kometsi are offering HIV counselling free every Saturday between 9am and noon at 4 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg. Bookings on a first-come, first-served basis.

To book, fax 011-280-5151, or e-mail counselling@sundaytimes.co.za. The sessions will be private.

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