THE Missionvale Care Centre in Port Elizabeth held a candle-lighting ceremony and a walk through the disadvantaged area to commemorate World Aids Day yesterday.

Special guests included South African band Freshlyground, who took part in the ceremony. Lead singer Zolani Mahola delivered a touching keynote address.

Sister Ethel Normoyle said the candles were lit to remember the people, especially of Missionvale, who lost their lives to the virus.

“Aids Day should be held every day. People should be made more aware of this pandemic. In Missionvale we have lost entire families to Aids. There is a wasteland where houses used to stand. Those houses belonged to the people who have died.”

Sister Ethel said she had seen people die and children orphaned since she arrived in Missionvale in 1988. She said back then people did not know about the virus.

“Everyone thought it was a north Africa disease and never expected it to reach South Africa but it was already here and is still here. Everyone should do something every day to work towards the eradication of HIV/Aids.”

She said the centre provided the Missionvale community with information on HIV/Aids every day.

“We are educating the people here, individually and collectively. It is only with education that we stand a chance.

“The way of life has to change here before things can get better.”

Mahola said: “It is only with love and the support of your community that we can work together. If you love yourself you will protect yourself against this.”

Volkswagen corporate and governmental affairs manager Weza Moss was humbled by Sister Ethel’s presence and proud of the relationship the company had had with the Missionvale Care Centre for the past 20 years.

“Every family has buried or will bury someone who has died of Aids. This is why we are glad to have partnered with the Missionvale Care Centre.

“We are not funders but partners and the team here are passionate about making a difference.”