Ekurhuleni - President Jacob Zuma is HIV negative.
He announced his results during the launch of the HIV, Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign at the Natalspruit Hospital on Sunday. Zuma had taken his own HIV test on April 8 to promote the campaign.
Zuma stressed that the decision to disclose his status was to give leadership and reassured the public that even when testing in public, the results are still confidential.
"This was my fourth test, as I have decided to take the test at regular intervals. I encourage all to do the same. Anyone's HIV status is private and confidential. Disclosure is an individual decision," Zuma said.
He added that by disclosing his status, he was not putting pressure on South Africans to do the same.
"After careful consideration, I decided to share my results with all South Africans. The purpose is to promote openness and to eradicate the silence and stigma that accompanies this epidemic.
"We will not win the war against AIDS if we engage in witch-hunts against people and start campaigns of who is positive or negative as if this was a game. It is a serious matter," he added.
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane were the first to get tested and councilors, religious and traditional leaders also joined the queue to get tested.
Eighty cubicles from government and the private sector were made available for the general public who wanted to get tested for HIV, diabetes, hyper tension, high blood pressure and other diseases. Each person who got tested was given 100 condoms.
Motsoaledi said government and the department were ready for the campaign.
"I've sent letters to all hospital CEOs and all leaders in various sectors asking them to take a lead and get tested and today we are seeing the fruits.
"I'll also send letters to all councilors and news editors asking them to be the first ones to take the test and I ask all of you not to leave here without knowing your status," Motsoaledi said.
