The subject tackled was “How do we step up the pace in the fight against HIV/AIDS, STI’s and TB?”
Addressing the learners, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social development, Cllr Makhosazana Mabaso, said these debates serve as a platform to break the silence and tighten fists in the fight to reduce the rate of new HIV infections.
“In a municipality with the second highest prevalence of people living with HIV in the country, our responsibility is to keep our young people talking about issues relating to the scourge of HIV and Aids. The more we talk about HIV/AIDS, Reproductive health, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, the more people will become knowledgeable and equipped to deal with them,” she said.
Thuto Lesedi High school pupil Wendy Khumalo scooped the first prize following an intense debate involving 10 schools selected across the metro. Ekurhuleni holds these debates annually to promote accurate knowledge of HIV/Aids and reproductive health.
The ecstatic Wendy said she was going to use the information she gained throughout the debate competition to spread the word about issues of HIV and Aids to her peers.
“There is a lot to be learnt and understood about the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Ekurhuleni,” she said.
