“I am 20 years old. I found out I was HIV+ in March 2001. I went to be tested as my boyfriend was positive. I was very sad and upset. I was referred to the Wola Nani support group in Khayelitsha.

“I started the project at Magpie and not long afterwards found out I was pregnant. My family said if I have the baby, I will not be part of their family. My boyfriend said that if I had an abortion, he would not stay with me. It was very difficult for me. I did not want to lose my baby. My boyfriend, he worked at the Youth Centre. He educates youth. I decided to keep the baby and stay with him.

"But he started to abuse me. We went through a bad time and he was very rough with me. He beat me badly and I lost the baby in February 2002. My family was there for me. They helped me get away from him. I broke all contact.

"I started to educate my family about HIV. I went to a conference in Jo'burg and bought a video tape and showed it to them. They told me the reason they were upset when I got pregnant was because they thought I was going to die and leave a sick child that they would have to look after.

"I want to keep educating my family so they understand HIV is not a death sentence. You can be healthy and live a good life. I live with my mum and sister. It is going well. I have a new boyfriend. He works at Grand West Casino. I found out that I am now 4 months pregnant. It was not planned but it is all going well and I am very happy.

"I get support through Magpie. The only people I know who are HIV+ are through Magpie. They also give me information on HIV and help with diet and cheap ways to help myself."