Celebrating heritage with health

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The event offered free oral hygiene care, HIV testing and medical male circumcisions among other services. People were also offered free screening for breast cancer, eye problems and tuberculosis. The South African National Blood Service was also on hand to collect donations.

The community-based organisation, Vuk’Uwazi, organized the event with the support of Tshwane Health and non-governmental organisations like Brothers for Life.

Maria Madia, 52, brought her 24-year-old daughter, Aurah, to the event as mother and daughter went for HIV testing.

“We want to do HIV tests, mammograms and clean our teeth here today,” Maria told OurHealth. “We cannot miss because we do not have money to go to private doctors, and today this care is free.”

Aurah said that she hoped that screening services would let her catch any health problems she had earlier

“I am not afraid to be told I have cancer or HIV because if I know early I can take action sooner,” Aurah added.

Philemon Setsoe works for City of Tshwane Municipal Health Services. He said more people should be as proactive about their health as Aurah.

According to Vuk’Uwazi Board Member Silas Mashava, the event reached more than 1,000 people and the organisation plans to bring the annual event back to the showgrounds next year.

People who attended were treated with fruits and healthy food. There was drum majorette demonstration and music from local groups such as ThatTouch and Seun and The Holy Rocks.