Be safe this christmas – protect yourself against HIV/AIDS

This edition is dedicated to the fight against the HIV\AIDS epidemic. The availability of the Nevarapine drug at the Ekuphileni clinic needs to be commended despite our government's reluctance to provide it to all HIV positive mothers free of charge.
Suffice it to say the government should start practising what it preaches. Make the anti-retroviral drugs available to all.
Others who are worth a mention are the tireless community-based health workers that are helping the needy. Thank you very much. We know what you are up against! We are also heartened by the accommodation of AIDS orphans in the projects that are still in the pipeline.
The past weeks have seen a growing incidence of child rape. Thankfully it has not happened in Cato Manor because residents have all joined hands to stop the virus from spreading, which would undermine all development efforts.
This is all happening because people believe the rape of babies will cure them of AIDS. Raping of virgins and babies does not cure AIDS.
New therapies are being developed by scientists to control HIV. It is just a question of time before a cure can be found.
Perhaps a word of advice would be to always know the whereabouts of your baby. Don't leave you baby unattended. Don't trust your child with anyone!
You too can help to prevent AIDS. Get yourself tested so that you know your status. Be friendly and support those who are HIV positive. They need your support and love. Practise safe sex. USE A CONDOM! ALWAYS.
Don't be part of the 30 million people infected with HIV. This country needs you!

Cato Manor residents demonstrate some of the skills they have learned while CMDA’s Mxolisi Mwandla (far right) and the Defy team look on.

The Local Economic Development team at CMDA - in collaboration with Defy and Lungisa Projects - are providing appliance repairs and house wiring skills training for 15 young Cato Manor residents. Lungisa is providing the training while Defy provides equipment and venue.

The four week practical skills course is combined with a five day One Up Business Training module which provides business and marketing knowledge. At the end of the course the students receive a set of basic tools to help them set up shop. They also receive assistance with advertising and promoting their business.
“One of the most vital elements of this programme is the aftercare infrastructure which aims to ensure that the trainees receive assistance with problem solving and identifying business opportunities. Every trainee has a mentor,” said Mxolisi Mwandla of the LED team.
Meanwhile the Community Development Department has ensured that Cato Manor residents make full use of training programmes aimed at improving their ability to take advantage of business opportunities. Thirty residents, some of whom are sub-contractors, have successfully completed a multi-skilling course which includes modules on concrete placing, carpentry, plumbing, business management, estimating and tendering.
It is hoped that the trainees will be in line for employment opportunities when construction of the Community Health Centre in Cato Crest and the Dunbar Road settlement commence in the near future.

On the night of 3 November, whilst Inspector Musa Cele and Constable Rodney Naidoo were driving along Bellair Road, three men opened fire on them. In the skirmish that ensued Constable Naidoo was shot and killed while Inspector Cele escaped to tell the tale and call for reinforcements. Three men have since been arrested by the murder and robbery squad. Inspector Cele is back on duty but is undergoing psychological treatment.

According to Captain Heerilall of the Cato Manor Police Station, more and more policemen are being shot at while on duty. In September Inspector Rocky Naidoo almost lost his life while attempting to apprehend suspected drug peddlers in Chesterville. Fortunately four suspects were tracked and arrested in a shack at Inanda. They were found in possession of licensed firearms. Ballistic reports have not yet confirmed if any of the recovered firearms were used during the shoot-out. An attempted murder docket has been opened.
“It is becoming increasingly unsafe for our members to protect the public. There are many dangerous criminals moving freely in the community. The sad aspect is that they are known. Some members of the community are harbouring them,” said Captain Heerlillal.
It is believed that there were bystanders who could have been hurt in both incidents. They may also have information leading to the successful conviction of the suspects. If they fear for their lives, their identities will be protected or they can relay the information through the following Cato Manor Community Police Forum executive members:
• Chairperson- Aaron Dlamini – 204 1300
• Deputy Chairman V M Maharaj – 082 785 6198
• Secretary Philani Zondi – 082 677 7252
• Assistant Secretary Lucky Mdlalose – 082 475 3549
• Treasurer Phindile Mhlongo – 261 4732
• Richman Mkhungo – 083 403 2062.