Zinhle Mapumulo

Zinhle Mapumulo

Tshidi Mholo of the Afro-pop duo, Malaika has joined the long list of personalities to take a public HIV test.

The flamboyant singer had her blood drawn in full view of the media and students at Wits University yesterday. But she decided not to disclose her status, saying it was a secret.

Before taking the test Mholo admitted she was nervous.

"I am nervous about what the results will be," she admitted. "I last tested sometime last year and then I was negative.

"But you never know with this disease. It has a way of hiding. I hope my status is still the same."

The Malaika lead singer was then whisked off to the starting point, where the process was explained to her. After that she went for pre-counselling, which took 10 minutes. After counselling she had the test done, followed by post-counselling.

She came out looking nervous but said: "I am happy to have braved the needle and the fear of knowing where I stand.

"I hope that young people will be inspired by what I did today," Mholo said. "You have to take charge of your life and find out while you can still do something about it."

Mholo is one of many celebrities who go around campuses educating students about HIV-Aids as part of the Levi's Red for Life campaign. The stars also encourage students to get tested.

Personalities who have had public HIV tests include ANC president Jacob Zuma, kwaito singer Kabelo, Yfm DJ Sbu and Afro-jazz maestro Hugh Masekela.