Ekurhuleni - Local artists spoke in one voice on Sunday encouraging South Africans to take responsibility for their lives and get tested for HIV.
Artists including Chomee, Arthur Mofokate, Speedy, Amaponi and Ihhashi Elimhlophe attended the National launch of the HIV, Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign, where they gave sterling performances with songs carrying messages on the importance of people getting tested.
President Jacob Zuma and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi joined Chomee and Arthur while they performed their new song "Take Responsibility".
"I am responsible, we are responsible, let's take responsibility for our nation by testing," Arthur told the audience.
Ntombi Ngcobo from Amaponi encouraged HIV positive people not to lose hope.
"HIV does not choose, it affects everyone and once you know your status, you can take care of yourself," Ngcobo said.
Ngcobo's father, Ihhashi elimhlophe, who also performed a song calling on people to know their HIV status said: "It is important to look after ourselves, you may not be HIV positive but your child or relative is. This is a fight and we must all go and get tested because there is life after HIV."
UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe, described the HCT campaign as the biggest mobilisation campaign and the largest the world has ever seen.
"You are writing a new page of South African history, this is a starting point for prevention revolution, it's a golden moment, if we do not do it now, when will we do it," Sidibe said.
Sidibe also congratulated President Jacob Zuma for his personal leadership to tackle the disease, which is a global issue.
"This movement will be the movement for all of us, the UNAIDS is fully behind this campaign," Sidibe added.
