adminBongani Ndlovu in Binga
YOUTHS in Binga showed that they have all it takes to entertain crowds when they performed at the One Love One Enemy Talent Show held at Manjolo area. The youths, kept the about 200 crowd entertained through song and dance. The objective was to entertain people while at the same time educating them on the dangers of HIV/Aids.
The show ran under the theme “HIV/Aids awareness and Testing and was organised by Ntengwe for Community Development.
The talent show had four categories namely, singing dancing poetry and drama.
Talvin Tshuma took the spotlight as he did a hip hop song about HIV/Aids which emphasised the importance of abstinence.
The entire song, which was in Tonga, got the youths at the show on their feet.
Talvin for his efforts walked away with the first prize in the singing competition.
Pesi Tambo wowed the crowd with his nimble feet and beat 16 other contestants to win the first prize in the dance competition.
Johanne Mumpande walked away the winner for the poetry competition with his skill in the Tonga language.
Speaking on the sidelines of the competition the district co-ordinator of the Ntengwe Drop in Centre, Innocent Isaac, said the talent show was a success.
He said the talent show was meant to educate the people on the importance of volunteering for HIV/Aids counselling and testing.
“The issue of voluntary counselling and testing has been received well here. At first there was difficulty in people accepting this programme. However, after seeing that this programme helps them in knowing their status and the options they have, they gradually accepted it,” he said.
Isaac said the June figures of people that had volunteered to tested had decreased but on Saturday the number increased.
“In June there were 67 people who got tested a decrease from 100 in March. Today (Saturday) people who got tested were 82. This shows a steady increase in the number of people getting tested,” he said.
Isaac commended local businesspeople for supporting the initiative.
“It is our desire to take this concept to other areas of Binga District, so that we are able to reach out to many people. The results of the show demonstrate that if Government, non-governmental organisations, business and the community work together they can achieve a lot in fighting HIV/Aids,” he said.
The guest of honour, Binga district medical officer, Dr Sijabuliso Ndlovu, who was represented by Dumiso Phiri said it was important for people to know their status.
He commended the efforts by Ntengwe Drop in Centre in fighting HIV/Aids.
Dr Ndlovu said knowing one’s HIV status was important especially for child bearing mothers.
“Those who want to bear children should know their HIV status. This information on sexual reproductive health can help to plan your future,” he said.
Some of the groups that participated include BaTonga Theatre and Nchalilayi Lubu Culture Group.
Online Reporter