Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - October 14, 2007
Simpiwe Piliso

No one mentions the word "Aids" for fear of dampening the festive spirit.

We don't consider ourselves an intelligent bunch with solutions for global warming, the presidential succession battle or diseases like Aids and cancer.

So we tend to steer clear of such topics.

In fact, the last two times I actually spoke about HIV/Aids with a friend was when I nervously went for the test and when my results came back.

Other than those two times, I'd never really spoken about it.

The sad part is that even if one of my friends were carrying the virus or a member of their family were infected, I'd never know. And to be honest, I wouldn't want to know.

The truth is that I wouldn't know what to say or how I'd react.

Yes, I'm aware that HIV has become a part of our lives and has had a huge impact on our society, with more than five million infected South Africans, but it really doesn't mean much until it hits home.

In fact, there could be members of my very own family who have been infected and sadly, once again, I'd never know because it's something I choose not to discuss.

When I was approached to take part in the Sunday Times Each One Reach Five campaign, I remember shrugging my shoulders and thinking, "Why not?"

But then I almost withdrew once I realised that I'd have to approach five other people, talk to them about the importance of the campaign and ask if they'd be interested in supporting the drive.

However, once I overcame that concern, I was quite surprised how many people volunteered without needing their arms twisted.

In the past three weeks, I've opened up and spoken more about HIV/Aids than I've done in my entire adult life.

And I've found that many people want to talk about it but have no one to talk to about their fears and concerns.

So, in short, I honestly believe that once more and more people start talking to their friends, family and colleagues about HIV/Aids, it'll go a long way in the battle against the virus.

And now that I know my status, I realise that I've still got a lot of time to prepare and canvass for votes for a prestigious seat on the board of trustees of the bowling club.

* Piliso's five volunteers are: Sunday Times Soccerlife editor Rafora Rangongo, Sunday Times reporters Buddy Naidoo, Phindile Chauke and Julian Rademeyer and The Times reporter Sashni Pather.

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