Western Cape TAC members and volunteers reflect

The provinces are the heartbeat of the TAC. People are the heartbeat of the TAC. This is where we get our hands dirty. This is where the real work happens. TAC would be nothing without our more than 8 000 members. We proudly share some of their reflections on the TAC and 10 years of ARVs.

I have seen how ARVs has helped the community since people are no longer scared, but we do need better leaders in
South Africa.
– Welcome Makele

I feel strong and healthy and I am hopeful for the future.
– Nokwanda Pani

SA needs better healthcare for everyone.
– Nomabhaso Bhulana

ARVs have helped me regain my strength and health and I now live a healthy life.
– Nontembiso Sentiwe

Since taking the ARVs I have never been sick and I have been able to live a normal life.
– Noncedo Nofemele

Take HIV seriously. I believe that in the next few years we will have an HIV free generation because of ARVs.
– Fanelwa Gwashu

I have been living a healthy and happy life ever since joining the TAC in 2013. We must teach children about HIV to make SA a better place.
– Nomthandazo Ncanywa

TAC has educated me and helped me to understand treatment better. I have had no side effects and I have been able to live a positive, normal and healthy life.
– Lumkile Sizila

ARVs have prolonged my life and have helped me to live a normal healthy life.
– Norute Nobola

Before taking the ARVs I was very weak and unhealthy, but the ARVs have given me the strength to live a happy life.
– Yoliswa Tywaku

It is important for everyone to know their status and not be ashamed about being HIV positive.
– Hlumisa Dyasi

ARVs give you the chance to life a normal life. TAC allowed me to be positive about my life.
– Mike Hamnca

10 years of ARVs means many people can now live freely and openly.
– Thandeka Mantshi

We need better and more education in SA about ARVs and HIV.
– Miseka Mahala

ARVs have saved my life and the lives of others and I am very thankful for that.
– Ntomboxolo Giyose

When I was diagnosed in 1997 I thought HIV positive status meant the end of my life, but ARVs have allowed me
to live a healthy and active life.
– Thobani Ncapai

ARVs have helped me live, without them I would have been gone by now.
– Nothemba Fekiso

People who are starting ARVs must know that the treatment is good for you and that you can live a healthy and
normal life if you are HIV positive.
– Neliswa Nkwali

To me 10 years of ARVs means that more lives have been saved and that those people are able to live normal and
healthy lives.
– Vuyani Mngqete

ARVs have helped me a lot. I have had no side effects and no opportunistic infections.
– Bulelwa Lindiso

People who are diagnosed must start ARV treatment as soon as possible, especially men, and must not ignore a positive status like I did.
– Mongezi Nonyusa

TAC has allowed me to help other people who have been diagnosed HIV positive and who need information.
– Ncebakazi Qupa

I hope for a SA where people accept HIV and are no longer ignorant about ARVs or HIV.
– Nokuzola Sogiba

I can now live a normal life and hold my grand children, all thanks to TAC and ARV treatment.
– Mavis Masheba

TAC has helped people who do not work and could not afford ARVs to get proper medical help and education.
– Pamela Mala

I wish to see a SA where there is better healthcare for everyone and more clinics available.
– Ayakha Masiba