HIV has been and it still does continue to be problematic underlying silent pandemic amongst our communities. There is still a lot that encompasses the virus itself, stigma and underlying illnesses caused or emerging as a result of the virus.

All this challenges associated with the pandemic virus can be swiftly defeated provided that one is open and courageous enough to go out and live their life to the fullest, fighting the virus and all its associated challenged with all they have got. Eventually one may triumph over the pandemic and emerge a hero even in front of the eyes of those who were stigmatizing her.

Of all the heroes who triumphed over the HIV pandemic, one of those who needs to be acknowledged is 49 years old Miss Meisie Motaung. The courageous woman of worth has been living with the virus for the past 17 years. Having been infected in her early 30’s, the strong and independent lady from Mabopane township chose not to let the virus define or dictate to how she should leave her life, instead she led the journey developing a new normal lifestyle of an HIV+ person.