HIV / AIDS Ministry

The AIDS pandemic is affecting the Eastern Cape with ever increasing severity. The Grahamstown Diocesan AIDS Task group conducts workshops, and has been taking part in training initiated by the CPSA Provincial Office. A number of Centres offer day-care for HIV-positive people and their children on Church premises in Grahamstown, East London, King William’s Town and Queenstown.

Strategic Plan

• Advice Centres at parish level
• Voluntary counselling and testing
• Information about HIV and AIDS
• An ecumenical approach to AIDS work
• A network of support for carers
• Support for those living with HIV/ AIDS and for the dying
• A campaign against the practice of expensive funerals, which leave the bereaved in poverty

Yiba nenceba

Situated at Holy Trinity King William’s Town, Yiba Nenceba is a support group for up to 20 people living with HIV and AIDS (mostly women). They come two days a week to do bead-work and receive a good meal. The vegetables are grown on the premises, tended by one of the group members.

Raphael Centre

Although non-denominational, the Raphael Centre functions in premises owned by the Community of the Resurrection in Grahamstown. HIV counselling and testing offered. Crafts training for HIV positive women, and a nursery school for their children. Pastoral care provided by the Sisters. Supported by Rhodes University, and the UK charity AVERT (AIDS Prevention, Education and Research Trust).

Khanyisa Centre

A drop-in centre for people living with HIV and AIDS and their children, operating in the church hall of St Saviour’s East London. Meals provided, and nutrition training. Skills taught include sewing, beadwork and gardening. A self-supporting Deacon has been appointed Chaplain, and many of the clients attend the regular Eucharist on a Tuesday at St Saviour’s.

Anglican Church of Southern Africa