The MAHUBE HIV/AIDS initiative

A project of the WESLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE

In the enormous struggle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic a diverse range of resources are needed now, and in the years ahead.

The scale of this pandemic is such that all individual efforts appear to be too little too late. But if we are going to make a difference in the struggle against HIV/AIDS then we have to begin with the conviction that every human life has infinite worth, and that no genuine effort of human solidarity is wasted. This means that every act of compassion, every social project, every scientific enterprise, that becomes part of the fight against HIV/AIDS is a crucial affirmation of our human dignity, and gives meaning to the suffering that is darkening the lives of millions.

The Mahube (the dawn) initiative works on this principle. If we in the church say that the Love of God we see in Christ is a love that embraces all people affected by HIV/AIDS then that statement of faith must be translated into a visible practical sign that is accessible and life giving to all victims.

The Mahube initiative is therefore an expression of this faith. It is only one small expression, but such faith has a multiplying, interacting, networking effect and thereby givies the struggle a wider capacity and momentum.

Introducing the MAHUBE CARE CENTRE

This will be a small facility, comprising only 6 beds but this size is in keeping with the capacity and the space available to us. We want to be sure that those who are offered care in the centre will experience the healing conveyed through supportive and resourceful love.

The Care Centre will be a part of the Wesley Church and Community Centre, home of the Methodist City Mission which is made up of 3 congregations who gather in diverse forms of worship, fellowship and service. It is home to ten community -based projects which provide jobs for more than thirty people, and offers a range of social service services. Mahube will become part of this diverse and vibrant community, helping to make AIDS victims feel that they are part of living community.

The Care Centre is not a hospice offering hi-tech medical treatment, but rather a place where practical clinical care will be enriched by spiritual and emotional nurture.

Those who will be admitted will be people who are HIV positive in a pre-terminal condition, with a priority being given to those who are homeless or destitute. Mahube will be working with the planned, larger Care Centre run by Pretoria Community Ministries (PCM) in the Pretoria inner city that will be ministering to those who are dying of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses.

The Care Centre is one part of the 3 part MAHUBE HIV/AIDS initiative comprising:

• An awareness and prevention programme
• An integrated healing centre
• A residential care centre (as described above)

This initiative is part of the SEDIBA HOPE PROGRAMME that has been established to coordinate and empower church-based HIV/AIDS initiatives in the Pretoria inner city.