KZN MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane
Image: KZN Department of Health
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has slammed a local church movement for encouraging members not to take their antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.
Simelane warned that ARVs are a life-saving treatment.
Speaking at her department's Easter Weekend Church Wellness Outreach Programme, Simelane made the distinction between condemning dangerous health misinformation and respecting religious freedom.
"As a department, we respect the autonomy of the religious sector and do not seek to dictate matters of faith. However, we have a duty to act when faced with allegations that people are being misled in ways that could cost lives," the MEC said.
She said while the allegations are yet to be proven, it was deeply concerning that there was a growing trend of leaders undermining HIV treatment, instead promoting faith healing over medication.
"If it is true that any person is encouraging followers to stop their ARVs, that behaviour is dangerous and cannot be tolerated. It is, in effect, a way of killing people slowly," she warned.
The MEC stated that such actions amount to nothing less than genocide against people living with HIV.
"We all remember what HIV did to our communities before the arrival of ARVs, the funerals, the orphans, the wasting away. We will not take our people back to that dark time" Simelane said.
She added that stopping treatment had serious consequences.
While condemning the alleged behaviour in the strongest possible terms, MEC Simelane called for legal consequences for anyone proven to be deliberately spreading life-threatening misinformation. Spreading misinformation on this matter cannot be taken lightly.
A controversial religious community in KwaMaphumulo, KwaZulu-Natal, has attracted about 100 followers who have abandoned careers, education and, in some cases, medical treatment to pursue a faith-driven lifestyle. Led by Reverend Vusimuzi Sibiya, (in a black jacket) the group says it has found peace and purpose, while raising concern over some of its practices.
Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO Indepedent Newspapers
Sunday Tribune recently reported that at least 100 people have opted to leave behind their 'worldly possessions' and join a rural community based at a settlement named iKhaya Labafundi in KwaMaphumulo, north of Stanger.
The members, who call themselves disciples of Jesus, have left their jobs, withdrawn from schools and studies, while others have abandoned their business, and given up their cell phones. Others have chosen to live a life of celibacy.
The community grows its own fruit and vegetables and also manages livestock.
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