Kate Mokoena: 

47-year-old Kate Mokoena a mother of five children sought out counseling and support from Emthonjeni when she discovered she was HIV positive.  Three months later, her husband sadly learned he too contracted the disease.  Throughout the course of their illnesses, Emthonjeni provided a plethora of services to include counseling, relationship support, food parcels, transportation and most importantly, a non-judgmental environment to deal with the emotional upheaval the disease renders.  Following the death of her husband, Kate Mokoena was able to carry on because Emthonjeni helped her believe in herself.  In the absence of family support, Emthonjeni became Kate’s family. 

Sarah Khumalo:  

Following a severe beating which left her hospitalized and unable to walk, Sarah Khumalo was dealt another blow when she learned she was HIV positive.  The seemingly hopelessness of the situation left Sarah spiraling into depression and quickly losing her will to live.  Upon learning of Sarah’s condition, Emthonjeni helped Sarah become more independent by supplying her with a wheelchair to get around.  Next through the ongoing support and encouragement of Emthonjeni caregivers, Sarah participated in continuous exercises, which lead to her ability to walk once again.  Although  AIDS may shorten Sarah’s life, she now lives each day with a new positive outlook, stronger belief in God and sound mind that in the unfortunate event of her death, her children will be looked out for thanks to the efforts of Emthonjeni.

Thabo Sibiya: 

 While pregnant with her fifth child, Thabo Sibiya was told she was HIV Positive.  Not fully understanding the seriousness of the disease, she carried on normally, gave birth to her son and tragically buried him only three short months later.  The dire consequences of HIV hit Thabo like a freight train.  A friend encouraged her to seek the services of Emthonjeni to help manage her disease.  Emthonjeni was able to provide Thabo with ARV’s which help mitigate the diseases’ progression.  In addition, Caregivers also performed home visits to help educate Thabo’s family about HIV/AIDS thereby breaking down the stereotypes, taboos and immense fear often associated with people living with HIV/AIDS.  Instead of feeling isolated and alone, Thabo has both her immediate and Emthonjeni family to take care of her.

Karabo Bhebhe: 

23-year-old Karabo Bhebhe, a native of Lesotho learned of her HIV/AIDS status while seeking medical services for her young child suffering from ongoing diarrhea and a high fever.  Discovering that she unknowingly passed this disease onto her child riddled her with guilt.  Both the counselors and support group provided at Emthonjeni helped Karabo journey down the road of self-forgiveness.  With the help of Emthonjeni provided ARV drugs and unending support, Karabo was able to find strength in the midst of her illness and is now a beacon of light to others dealing with the disease.

Tumi Khabo:

Tumi a 58-year-old grandmother discovered she was HIV positive later in her life.  Unable and afraid of sharing the news with her daughter, she sought out the guidance of Emthonjeni. Through ongoing counseling and the unconditional love of fellow support group members, Jeamina has been gaining confidence and strength.  She also began becoming economically independent by participating in Emthonjeni Micro Enterprise projects of beading, painting and gardening.  As a result of the Micro Economics, Tumi is able to obtain food parcels which contain important nutrients that help battle the diseases’ progression.

In some cases names have been changed to protect the identity of our clients.