AIDS is one of the biggest killers in the world and unless we unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we won’t see a difference. On the cover of the 6 December issue of Drum, the team celebrates actress Lesego Motsepe, who is living with HIV. Among other inspiring stories and advice we also feature Phindile Sithole-Spong, a 23-year-old strong-willed young woman who was born HIV positive.

“We were all shocked when Lesego revealed her HIV-positive status on a radio show last year. It was brave for a celebrity to reveal this to the world, because HIV-positive people are often still stigmatised,” says editor of Drum, Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa. “Her openness, bravery and acceptance of her status must be commended, especially since the HIV conversation is still taboo in most parts of South Africa. Lesego and Phindile are both beautiful, successful and intelligent women who refuse to let their HIV status get in the way of their dreams. We have all been affected by HIV and I for one have lost relatives because they were just too afraid to seek help. This has to stop. Phindile and Lesego are helping us spread that message of hope, looking after ourselves and living life to the full.”

Drum magazine will be available in stores countrywide on Friday, 30 November and can also be ordered. SMS Drum and one's name to 32113 (R1 per SMS), call 0860-10-3688 or email [email protected].