March 3, 2005
The invitation to Rau University JHB
By: Maphindi Sibiya

Rau University invited Doctors for Life (DFL) to participate in orientation on 23 January for first year students in the accountancy department.   DFL was specifically asked to speak on the prevention of HIV/ AIDS and how to cope with the disease for those already infected or who have family members living with AIDS. The presentation also included domestic violence, women abuse and rape.


A view overlooking Sandton, Jhb

The students in the group were fro m d isadvantaged backgrounds e.g. abused families, rural communities etc  Shadrack Mafutsa, a member of the legal team at Doctors For Life started off by presenting the hard facts about HIV/AIDS.  Mr Mafutsa showed the recently released video produced by Orison pictures from Dfl and titled “In Your Face”.  This is a 30 minute  video on the medical and scientific facts of HIV/AIDS as well as other STDs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes and the HPV virus.  The powerful, life changing message of this video left the students stunned. Shadrack rounded it off by educating them on the practice of self control when it comes to sex.

One of the conference facilities at RAU

Dr Bola Omoniyi from DFL’s pharmaceutical department presented medical and practical information necessary for the effective care of those suffering from AIDS, stressing the need for HIV tests. The students were very attentive and some shared personal experiences of caring for family members with AIDS.

The RAU Campus

Maphindi Sibiya , a registered Social Work student with DFL finished off with a presentation on violence against women which included rape, domestic violence and women abuse. The students got very involved with this topic, asking many questions and expressing their views on all the points discussed.

The city Johannesburg (Egoli)

At the end of the program, many students approached members of the DFL team for individual counseling. We saw a very deep need amongst these teenagers to receive support and a clear presentation of the truth. The program as conducted at RAU by Doctors For Life was able to deliver both to these students.

Our thanks to the CEO of Doctors for Life International Dr Albu Van Eeden for making this trip successful.

Doctors for Life International represents more than 1000 medical doctors and specialists, three-quarters of who practice in South Africa. DFL was founded as a South African organization in 1991 and has spread across the globe. DFL is involved in several community projects including orphan care, the care of terminal AIDS patients, malaria prevention and the care of abused women.

Other related activities which DFL is involved withare:
Home Based Care
Preventing AIDS
Health in Industry
AIDS information
Sexual Addiction