managed to run a number of campaigns at different campuses, three Men’s Health Campaigns commonly known as Brothers4Life and five Women’s Health Campaigns known as the ZAZI Campaign.
The main objective of these campaigns is to highlight your value as young men and women and the difference you can make on campus and in the communities at large. We are also very proud to announce that CPUT is the first university in the Western Cape that launched Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision.
The HIV/AIDS Unit wishes to acknowledge the tremendous support from the Higher Education and Training HIV/ AIDS Programme (HEAIDS),[a programme of Higher Education South Africa (HESA) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)], and its strategic partners the National; Department of Health (NDoH), Department of Women, Department of Social Development, USAID and PEPFAR partners, the German Government, and many other stakeholders. Without your support, this would not have been possible.
Remember to contact any of the campus clinics or the HIV & AIDS Unit should you wish to find out more about our services.
It’s almost two months before the year 2014 come to an end! For many students, this would also be their last two months as students at CPUT.
This has been a very good year for the HIV & AIDS Unit.
I really want to commend students & staff for their active participation in all our campaigns.
In collaboration with the Campus Health Clinic and Student Counselling, we
Wishing all students only the best during the upcoming exams.
Melanie Marais Head of Department
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) HIV/ AIDS Unit, in partnership with the Campus Health Clinic, the Department of Health and TB/HIV Care Association, launched a Men’s Health Campaign on various dates across specific CPUT campuses, specifically targeted at their male students.
The campaign was packed with many aspects that impact on men’s health including Nutrition and Fitness, Alcohol & Drugs, Gender-based issues and many more. As part of this package, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) was launched at CPUT for the first time. VMMC is currently one of the HIV prevention strategies of the South African Department of Health.
The Project was piloted at the Cape Town Campus, and was later rolled out to other campuses. With the primary objective to
By Nomtika mjwaNa
Men’s HealtH Buzzzzzz!!
encourage males to sign up for voluntary medical male circumcision, the campaign also aimed at encouraging males to lead a positive lifestyle that is governed by risk-free behavior and physical fitness, as well as a positive mental attitude.
Endorsed by the Global Fund Project, Higher Education HIV/ AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) and the Department of Health, the Superman-themed campaign achieved its goals through emphasizing the benefits of medical male circumcision as well as the various structures and NGOs that educated the targeted audience at the exhibitions.
The activation of the campaign took place at selected CPUT campuses on:
• Monday, 28 July 2014 Cape Town Campus Atrium, 2nd Floor Admin Building
• Monday, 18 August 2014 Wellington Campus, CP Van Der Merwe Hall
• Thursday, 4 September 2014 Bellville Campus, Student Center
“We are pleased that our Vice Chancellor, Dr. Prins Nevhutalu, supports this campaign and our male staff and partners will be addressing the male audience on the first day of the launch,” said Melanie Marais, CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit HOD, a few days before the launch.
“I have learnt more than I thought I knew. I was very judgemental about medical circumcision but now I can freely encourage my friends to go for it”, said Ziphozakhe Njoli, a 2nd year CPUT student.
It was a great campaign. Many learnt a lot including me because I thought I knew everything but, realised there is always room for improvement on what you already know. And I thank you for giving us such an opportunity to grow with knowledge that one day could come in handy in order to be a free HIV Nation.
siphatho ziyeka Malotana Ikhosi
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology HIV/AIDS Unit also launched an insightful, fun and informative women empowerment campaign, ZAZI, which is primarily targeting young ladies between the ages of 16-24.
The main aim of the campaign is to trigger a sense of selfawareness amongst young women and to encourage them to have a strong intrapersonal knowledge in order for them to be able to make informed decisions and be responsible citizens.
The national Women and Girls campaign (ZAZI) is developed by the USAID/JHU HIV Communication Programme in partnership with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, the Department of Health, Higher Education AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) and other stakeholders.
By Nomtika mjwaNa
WOMen’s HealtH Buzzzzzz!!
Part of the program for the day included a keynote address by the HIV/AIDS Unit Head of Department, Mrs. Meanie Marais, poetry pieces from Peer Educators and an open floor sharing session from students.
The Highlight of the pilot launch was a motivational speech by a young, powerful lady, Ms. Jabu Sopete, who shared her experiences as a young modern woman and how she made it through the challenges she faced form her early childhood days to recent life changing experiences.
The Women and Girls campaign is aligned to, amongst others, the National Strategic Plan for HIV, STI’s and TB (2012 to 2016), the national contraceptive and fertility management policy, CARMMA principles and the Millennium Development Goals.
The HIV/AIDS Unit would like to thank the structures, departments and NGOs that were part of the CPUT Women’s Health campaign activation.
The activation of the campaign took place at selected CPUT campuses on:
• Friday, August 8, 2014- Cape Town Campus, 2nd Floor Admin Building Attrium
• Monday, 11 August 2014 Bellville campus, Student Center
• Wednesday, August 13th, 2014- Granger Bay campus, Café area
• Monday, August 25th , 2014Mowbray campus
“There was a point where I felt like I did not have an identity, but I had to discover that all by myself, and since then I have never felt more confident and sure of what I stand for”, said Ms. Sopete.
CPUT kiCks off wiTh VMMC
By Nomtika mjwaNa
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Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) has kicked off at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
This project is spearheaded by the CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit and Campus Health Clinic, with the support of various CPUT stakeholders, including the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Prins Nevhutalu.
VMMC is part of the Department of Health’s National Strategic plan to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
“Research has proven that VMMC has many health benefits for men including reducing the risk of getting infected with HIV by up to 60%”, says Melanie Marais, CPUT’s HIV/AIDS Unit Head of Department.
There has been more than 10 medical circumcisions and over 30 bookings since the Men’s Health campaign launch. to find out more about VMMC and how to make a booking, visit the CPut HIV/aIDs unit website using the link: https:// www.cput.ac.za/ students/life/hiv/ circumcision or if you’re on Cape town campus, look out for the next available date on the lCD screens.
ZAZI TrAINING
By Nomtika mjwaNa
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology HIV/AIDS Unit held 2-day training for Peer Educators on the weekend of the 2nd & 3rd August, 2014, at the Cape Town Campus Seminar Room.
The main aim of the training was to educate Peer Educators on the two impacting communication campaigns that aim at empowering young men and women into becoming socially responsible citizens.
The training also focused on the role of Peer Educators in the Higher Education environment as well as how they can implement the knowledge they have using participatory tools such as performing arts or any other form of infotainment.
The first part of the training focused on Women empowerment and it was a build up for the Women’s Health campaign which took place from the 8th of August.
This section was facilitated mainly by Ms. Thenjiwe Manana, one of the two DRAMAIDE representatives that were facilitating the two-day training. The first section focused on the role of women in society, how women perceive themselves as well as biological aspects of the female anatomy.
The second part of the training focused on male empowerment and formed part of the Men’s Health campaign which had started on the 28th of July. This section was facilitated by Mr. Lindani Hadebe, the second DRAMAIDE representative. This section was the flip side of the ZAZI section, as it focused on the role of men in society, how they perceive themselves as well as the male anatomy.
The HIV/AIDS Unit would like to express many thanks to DRAMAIDE for their continuous support and availability whenever their involvement is requested.
CPUT SUPPorTS TVET!
By Nomtika mjwaNa
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology HIV/AIDS Unit has established a wonderful working relationship with the College of Cape Town, as part of the project to support Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) institutions, which was introduced by HEAIDS.
This has been a wonderful experience for the CPUT HIV/ AIDS Unit, as there has been a great level of commitment from the College of Cape Town.
Some of the students attended the Gender training and some staff were present at the LGBTI colloquium.
There has also been HIV Counselling and Testing which took place at the College of Cape Town (Athlone Campus).
“We plan to assist the TVET in also starting up their own Peer Education program, as we have seen how keen the students are in being a part of these activities”, said Melanie Marais, Head of Department at the CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit.
The CPUT h IV/AIDS Un IT LGBTI Co LL oq UIU m
By Nomtika mjwaNa
The CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit hosted an LGBTI colloquium on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the CPUT Bellville Campus Auditorium.
The primary objective of the colloquium was to raise awareness and create sensitivity around the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities, particularly within the Higher Education context.
Most of CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit key stakeholders attended the event and Melanie Marais, the Head of Department, said “It is important for our major internal stakeholders to be aware of and sensitive to the LGBTI communities and challenges they may experience at university.
The programme for the day included a keynote address from Sharon Ludwig (Triangle Project). Dr Kevin Rebe and Sindiswa Balani (Health4Men) presented on MSM health needs.
Nathan Kayser (UWC) shared best practices on coordinating an LGBTI project at a University level, as well as Sianne Abrahams (UCT) sharing an Institutional Response for MSM-LGBQTI Services.
Jaco Brink (SU) presented research study findings titled “A national Student Sexual Health HIV Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour Survey: Focusing on Student Men who have Sex with Men at 14 Higher Education Institutions in South Africa”.
“To me this colloquium gives me a sense of belonging, and it is fulfilling to know that I have such great support from my own institution and from key external stakeholders.
Thank you so much for such an amazing experience”, said Mthetho Sisusa, a Peer Educator, during his vote of thanks on behalf of the HIV/ AIDS Unit.
According to the HIV/AIDS Unit Head of Department, there will be more interventions on LGBTI from next year onwards.
“To me this colloquium gives me a sense of belonging, and it is fulfilling to know that I have such great support from my own institution and from key external stakeholders. Thank you so much for such an amazing experience”, said Mthetho Sisusa.
HIV cOuNSellINg aNd teStINg 2nd Semester
By Nomtika mjwaNa
the First things First (FtF) HIV testing campaign (HCt) took place on all CPut campuses and residences from 28 July to 4 september 2014, primarily targeting CPut students and staff.
The intense 6-week campaign was also in collaboration with the ZAZI and Brothers4Life campaigns, aimed at encouraging responsible sexual behaviour and social norms amongst students.
Exceeding the target of testing 3800 students, the FTF campaign saw a number 3916, but these stats are inclusive of HCT done from June 1, 2014 to September 23, 2014, in partnership with the CPUT Campus Health Clinic.
Another bright edge to this year’s FTF (and HCT in general) is that more males tested for HIV in comparison to previous years.
“We are working really hard to ensure that we encourage students to get tested. Our services are outstanding in terms of accuracy and professionalism”, said Sweetness Kola, the CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit professional Nurse.
PEEr EdUCATor GENdEr TrAINING
By Nomtika mjwaNa
It is said that a generation that understands its environment is a generation destined for greatness.
Peer Educators can be regarded as that generation. They are trained and wellequipped on issues relating to gender and the attached stereotypes.
This training took place on the16th and 17th of August at the CPUT Cape Town Campus Seminar room.
“This training is essential for Peer Educators as they come across different types of people with different backgrounds and sexual orientation. They need to be well informed so that when they address issues relating to societal gender stereotypes, they have an insight of what they are talking about, especially when it comes to HIV prevention and
control strategies”, said MelaniAnn Cook, Peer Education Officer.
The two-day training included activities on identifying and defining different sexual orientations, discussions on male and female perceptions and expectations about the opposite sex, and how all genders can support each other in shaping a better community for all.
Parts of these activities were conducted through exciting ice breakers and emotional confession sessions.
“I have learnt more about myself and how I can be more accepting to the people around me, regardless of how they were born versus how they see themselves, an identity is a very personal aspect,” said Viwe Mashalaba, 2014 Peer Educator.
Letter to HP
Dear HP, a friend of mine went out one weekend and had unprotected sex. the following morning she rushed to the clinic and came back telling me that she got an aRV that will protect her from getting infected with HiV. Please explain that to me.
Internship opportunities at the HIV/aIDs unit
The HIV/AIDS Unit is proud to announce that it has a very successful internship programme which grooms students for better opportunities and even possible appointments within CPUT.
There have been a great number of students that have worked at the department as interns and now have jobs in well recognised institutions, applying the knowledge acquired at the HIV/AIDS Unit during their year of practice.
Among those was Andiswa Gqiba and Akhona Ndiki, who are now professional personel with various organisations. Our recent stars were Michael Mpandari and Ashlyn Olivier, who were management interns for three months and did an exceptional job with great passion and commitment.
They have just left to finish up their final year and become management graduates.
Our final goodbyes are to Ms Nomtika Mjwana, who has worked as a Peer Educator,
assisted with Peer Education administration and as a Public Relations intern, all this in about 3 years.
She has also given her heart to the HIV/AIDS Unit and its programmes, and her greatest achievement was initiating this Publication, with great help from Mr. Alex Semba (former acting Head).
The HIV/AIDS Unit seeks not only to help make this world a better place, but also to groom leaders that will carry on that legacy.
We are looking forward to receiving and moulding more of these prospects.
HP replies...
Dear Anonymous. Yes there is an ARV known as Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) which is used to protect patients who believe they may have been exposed to the HI Virus. The treatment is suppose to be taken for 30 days and should start within 72 hours after exposure. The sooner the better. It is what some would regard as “the morning after” of HIV prevention. It is also used for victims of rape that may have been infected by force or without their knowledge. It is safer not to take such risks. Condom use is important at all times. It is essential for one to always have fun responsibly to avoid risks of getting infected. For more information, you may send me an email at HIVUnit@ cput.ac.za and I will assist you with any related queries.
As the HIV/AIDS Unit, we are committed to ensuring that our readers know where to seek help when needing assistance with daily life challenges. Below is a list of important contact details.
CPut HIV/aIDs unIt HealtH PROMOteR
BOnIle PeteR
Bellville Office
tel +27 21 959 6898/6828
location (opposite Tabeisa Cafe)
Cape town Office tel +27 21 460 4252/3 location Administration Building 2nd Floor (opposite Applications Office)
the new HiV/aiDs services Brochures are now available in a student-friendly version.
it is being disseminated to all stakeholders through the HiV/aiDs Unit, orientation programmes, stalls at various campaigns, libraries and key point areas where staff and students can access it.
We are here to ensure that students and staff members make informed decisions on their holistic health care and lifestyle. We are committed to providing a safe learning and working environment to protect you from becoming infected with HIV, STI & TB while studying at CPUT.
