Joyce Ernest, 39, was born and bred at Makaleng in the North East District. Hers is an unusual case because she has conquered and lived with HIV for the past 20 years. She attributes her long life to the fact that she has accepted her status and chosen a healthy lifestyle. "Hi," I said as I introduced myself. She gave me a handshake with a broad and genuine smile. We then proceed to a living room for a chat. "I realised that I had HIV in 1992 while I was still pregnant. Obviously I did not expect the results, so I was scared, hurt, and helpless. It was generally difficult for me. In those days, HIV was feared and only a few people were known to have the virus. For the second round, I tested in 1994 and the results were again positive," explained Ernest calmly.
She stated that though it was difficult, the first person she confided her status to was her sister. "She just could no believe it because I had only one boyfriend who later became my husband. We have lived together for the past 21 years and he is the father of my children," she added.
