WHAT was your reaction when you were diagnosed with HIV in 2001?
I was only 19 years old at the time and had no knowledge of the disease, so it took a while before it all sank in. But after telling my mother, I started reading about it and that was when it dawned on me that it was quite serious and I had to change the way I lived my life.

What did you realize then, about HIV?
That the more I talked about it, the better I felt.

How did you feel when news about your HIV status broke while you were participating in Idols?
Because I had decided to talk about it first, I was prepared mentally for whatever comments came my way. I also had counselors who monitored me throughout the competition.

And you went as far as the top 4 in the competition! What did that prove to you?
That I can be successful in my career, with or without HIV! I also proved that I did not get pity votes – people simply liked my singing voice. ‘HIV is… a warning. It is a warning that you should look after yourself and stop being reckless with your body.

What have you lost because of HIV?
I have lost time. I have lost my blessings and I had to lose my precious baby because of it. That is why I call this virus a heartless, brutal thief.

I count those nine (9) days that she lived as the most precious, happiest day of pure joy for me! That is why after she died, I did not see the need to grieve because I felt she had come into my life for a purpose. That is why I called her Destiny... I have learnt that, with any sickness… no medicine will heal you if you are not in the first frame of mind. You must accept the situation first before the healing process can begin. I don't mind my privacy being invaded, but I do take exception to people who swear at me and call me by all sorts of names, just because I have HIV. It is the amazing interaction I have with people I have been fortunate to share my life journey with. These are adults who are HIV positive but have been too scared to talk about it or have been in denial. So it is a great feeling when they open up and talk freely about this disease with me. Generally, a relationship is very difficult to maintain. And it becomes even more challenging when you are HIV positive because of the stigma. However, there are successful relationships out there where both parties are in it for the long haul and they put priority on their love and happiness before their HIV status.

As a country, are we HIV-aware?
Personally, I feel there is no need for this country to educate people about this disease. Ultimately, it is about you and about loving yourself and being responsible enough to protect yourself from this disease.