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My birthday is a day to give, share and inspire

There is a wondrous spring in my step. Not only am I celebrating my birthday on Friday, April 11, but it also marks a historic milestone in living productively, successfully and meaningfully with HIV.

There is a wondrous spring in my step. Not only am I celebrating my birthday on Friday, April 11, but it also marks a historic milestone in living productively, successfully and meaningfully with HIV.

It's an unbelievable 18 years, 16 of which I have lived without depending on any medication whatsoever.

Traditionally, I celebrate this glorious day on which I was born by giving generously to those who are less privileged than I am.

In the company of my colleagues at Sowetan, Lindiwe Obose, who plays the role of Mama Angel, and Bruce Fraser, I delivered a load of clothing donated by the community of Soweto in partnership with Nangavhutshilo and Jozi fm to Schoongesight in Witbank.

Iris Lawrence, a humble and hard-working woman, operates an organisation that caters for vulnerable children, including those with HIV, as well as abused women.

It was an immense honour for me to continue this rich heritage of giving and sharing the benefits derived from other members of the human race.

I have always believed, and I continue to maintain, that all of us have an inherent responsibility to take care of each other.

Therefore, I use the celebration of my birth date to inspire, give, share and also feed those children in particular who have been turned into the worst scumbags, through no fault of their own.

As I have said many times before, any nation that does not care for its children is bound to develop at a lesser rate than other nations.

It truly was a blessing that Sowetan and Jozi fm became partners in this noble venture; it really does lessen the load, especially with regard to logistical issues, transport and overall coordination of this special event.

As a matter of fact, I must express my sincere gratitude to every member of society within Soweto, and especially the thousands of listeners to my show, Positive Minds, who responded and made this day meaningful to all the children who will enjoy a warm winter for a change.

I am also grateful to my mother, Sibongile Mkhwanazi, who agreed to store the donated goods free of charge at Nangavhutshilo, as well as to her dedicated staff who unselfishly received the clothing, and washed and ironed everything so that it looked and felt fresh, and dignified enough for all my children.

Even if I were to drop dead at this time, this minute, I would never resist because I have served my people well and I will continue to do so for the rest of my infected life.

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