Things to do on World AIDS Day in Cape Town

Support the fight against this worldwide pandemic at some of these uplifting events in Cape Town and surrounds

Observed on 1 December each year, World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the global pandemic that affects millions of women, men and children.

Said to have more people living with HIV/AIDS than any other country in the world, South Africa claims shocking statistics that bring to light the devastating effects of this unrelenting virus.

Each year, organisations host events to not only improve knowledge about the disease, but also to support the charities and groups that alleviate sufferers’ burdens and take care of families affected. Show your support and honour those living with HIV/AIDS by attending one of the events taking place in Cape Town and surrounds from Sunday, 29 November to Tuesday, 1 December 2015.

Some options are highlighted below.

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2015 THINGS TO DO IN HONOUR OF WORLD AIDS DAY IN CAPE TOWN
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COMMUNITY CHEST TWILIGHT CHARITY TEAM RUN 
Though not specifically related to World AIDS Day, this is a wonderful cause to be a part of. The annual fun walk sees individuals, friends, families and colleagues join together to walk the city's streets in an effort to raise money for charity. 2015's proceeds will go to the educational sector to assist with equipping students for the 2016 school year. The event includes a best dressed competition, and an after-party with an upbeat performance from Jimmy Nevis. Some 20 000 eager walkers are expected to participate, and crazy costumes are mandatory!
COST: Entry costs R70p/p and can be obtained via Topevents.co.za, the Community Chest website and from Sportsman's Warehouse stores. Online entries close on Sunday, 22 November 2015. The walk commences from the City Hall on Tuesday, 1 December 2015 at 6:30pm. 

ZIP ZAP CIRCUS SHOW AT THE WORLD AIDS DAY YOUTH CONCERT IN KHAYELITSHA
Cape Town’s very own Zip Zap Circus School, in conjunction with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (also known as Doctors without Borders) and the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), is billed to perform its FREE annual gravity-defying show at O.R. Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha on Tuesday, 1 December 2015 in honour of World AIDS Day.Children from Ibhongolwethu, Zip Zap’s HIV/AIDS outreach programme, will take to the stage with trampoline, trapeze, juggling, comedy, acrobatics and high-flying acts as part of this yearly variety performance. In other ecxciting news, this year contemporary dancers from Jazzart will also be joining the fun. Zip Zap Circus School Co-founder and Director Laurence Estève says, “We’ve seen that the children who participate in this programme have increased self-esteem, a greater appreciation of teamwork, discipline and physical fitness.”

Aside from entertaining audiences, the show aims to raise awareness of the plight of the growing number of children and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Most importantly, this year’s event hopes to highlight the need for freely available condoms in schools, emphasize the importance of ARV medication, encourage HIV positive youth to stay on treatment for life and educate youngsters on the importance of protecting themselves. 
COST: Entry to the show is gratis, mahala, free! Doors open at 11am and the performance starts at 11:30am and runs until 2pm.

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Have a squiz at our guide to annual December events to find out about more hot happenings taking place during the month.
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