WALKING into any health facility to have one's HIV test done is as stressful as ever. I suppose the anxiety stems not necessarily from the test itself but from the outcomes thereof.
As a matter of fact, I have been doing the tests twice a year since I found out about my health status many years ago.
It is one of the most important health regimens I have to follow to ensure that the progress or lack thereof is strictly monitored to avoid any kind of unexpected deterioration of my health status.
More importantly, having my tests done has become second nature because with someone who has lived with HIV successfully and productively and positively for more than 20 years, complacency might creep in undetected.
So it is imperative that I remain vigilant, uncompromising and resilient in making certain that any downward slide is detected as soon as possible.
Needless to say, waiting for the results also has the potential of depressing one's immune system.
But I have been truly blessed in that I am surrounded by learned, committed and selfless servants such as my medical adviser, Dr Pupuma, who has made it his primary occupation to care for me.
I am privileged and definitely lucky, excuse the pun, to be born into a family comprising people who do not judge anything or anyone - a group of exceptional and amazing individuals whose trademark is to give and live beyond themselves.
The strong bond that exists in my family is worth more than gold. It can neither be bought nor sold and the funny aspect of it is that it has nothing to do with HIV.
Instead it covers every sphere of life in it's totality and I am always mindful of and grateful for their infectious influence in my own positive life.
I am thankful and humbled by their presence in my life and pray and wish that all of us will realise the importance of uniting and keeping the wellness of our families as a priority.
As you will have predicted by the tone of my writing already, 21 years later my HIV status remains undetectable and my CD 4 count stands proudly at 496.
I am particularly excited because not long ago I was hospitalised for a week after being diagnosed with diabetes, yet I am still as healthy and I continue to feel stronger than the strongest washing powder.
The combination of these ailments is behaving well so far. I feel like a true champion because it is not as if I am different from anyone else - but the telling factor is the consciousness with which I lead my life.
My own passion, commitment, undying love and selflessness for my people is the greatest reward of all. I always strive to be happy and to put a smile on those who have no reason to live on.
It is would be unnatural to spend an hour in my presence without laughing your lungs out, God forbid.
Whatever situation you might be facing, take heart and find solace in the infected, enigmatic life of a Zulu man like me.
It might not be so comforting but it is possible. I wish you well too.