South Africa: Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba observes reproductive health month, pregnancy week, STI, and condom week by leading a Checka Impilo campaign at Tshirolwe village Ext 2 in the Vhembe District.
The health screening is aimed at encouraging individuals, families, and communities to undergo regular free health screening and testing services provided by the department. Community members will have access to free healthcare services through the Cheka Impilo programme.
Later on the day, the MEC will join the Colleen Mashawana Foundation together with Old Mutual Foundation and the Centre for Mental Wellness & Leadership as they will be handing over a house to a victim of gender-based violence, Ms Tshinanne Siobo, whose house was set on fire by her former lover and partner while she and her two children were inside the house.
Siobo and the children were rescued by neighbours and taken to the hospital, and unfortunately, her son later succumbed to complications of burn wounds while in ICU. The MEC pleaded to Mr Mashawana, who is always available to intervene in this nature whenever there is a need through the Collen Mashawana foundation.
“We want to use Valentine’s Day, which is the day that symbolizes love to educate community members to firstly love themselves, and the Cheka Impilo program is a call to action that seeks to move our society from a curative response to the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and behaviour change. Knowing your health status is the first sign of self-love. We also want to use this day to show love to Ms Siobo, who lost her son and nearly lost her life because of love. We thank the Collen Mashawana foundation and their partners for fighting social ills, especially the current pandemic of Gender Base Violence. Ms Siobo is currently receiving treatment from our Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons”, said MEC Ramathuba.
The Cheka Impilo and handing over of the house are scheduled as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 14 February 2023
Venue: Tshirolwe village Ext 2 (Makhado Municipality-Vhembe District)
Time:10h00