On 07.12. 2013 – few days after World AIDS Day – the members of Tsibogang Christian Action Group assembled to commemorate all people who had died from AIDS and to express their solidarity with all who live with HIV. 102 members and 25 members of the support group for children with HIV “A Re Tshamekeng Bana” (Let us play, children) gathered at Tirisano Hall of St. Joseh’s Retreat Centre to celebrate this year end function of our organization.
Some of the members had attended the funeral of our driver Pule Babupi before who had died on 02.02. following a short illness at the age of 70. Coordinator Dr. Wolfgang Hermann and Project Manager Paballo Loving had expressed their gratitude for his services to our organization. Tsibogang is yet to see the first year where none of its members dies.
The lively dance of the kids from “A Re Tshamekeng Bana” at the beginning of the function helped us to forget our grief. Then Nnusi Tsetse on behalf of Tlamelang, Kgomotso Mokgothu on behalf of Tshepanang and Jacob Mombe (not appearing on the picture) on behalf of Amogelang lit the candle of hope. They passed the light on to the candles of the members.
Two slide shows helped us to see again the highlights of this year 2013. They revealed that we can be grateful for the many achievements of this year, especially for the founding of the new After School Program in Khunotswane.
There were words of encouragement from Tlamelang Chairperson Stephen Modise and a drama played by Tshepanang members and members of “A Re Tshamekeng Bana” that illustrated the plight of many vulnerable children in South Africa.
The key note address was delivered by Tebelelo Maseng who had been the treasurer of the Management Committee of Tsibogang Christian Action Group since its foundation. She used the four words of the name of the organisation to highlight again what our mission is. Tsibogang means “Be alert!”. This alertness that makes us aware about what is going on with our children and our people is needed badly even in future.
Towards the end all members were presented with a new golf shirt bearing the emblem of our organisation in order to thank them for their dedicated work this year.
This year has seen marked improvements in the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa. They include the introduction of the Fixed Dose Combination. Patients with advanced disease need now to take only one tablet per day that contains all three components of antiretroviral treatment.
Following the recent death of Nelson Mandela we remembered that the development of our organisation where Whites and Blacks stand together is a fruit of his policy of reconciliation and that we are united with him especially in the concern for the future of the children in this country.
Year end function of Tsibogang