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Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended efforts from all role players in the fight against HIV and AIDS, saying this has resulted in important gains being made towards reducing the spread and impact of the epidemic.

Eight years ago Zandile Mqwathi, 31, found out she was pregnant and HIV positive. She was scared and unsure of how those around her would treat her.

You can now access Vuk’uzenzele on your smartphone, tablet and other mobile devices thanks to the new Vuk’uzenzele mobile app.

The app was launched recently and allows the user to view all Vuk’uzenzele newspaper editions and download these editions onto mobile devices.

As the world observed World Aids Day on the 1 December, South Africa used the opportunity to reflect on the gains made in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

This year World Aids Day was commemorated under the theme: “Zero Stigma and Discrimination”.

While the country has made strides in fighting the disease over the past 20 years, Vuk’uzenzele takes a look at the country’s achievements since 2009.

2009: The start of SA’s HIV, AIDS revolution

In 2009 President Jacob Zuma unveiled South Africa’s AIDS policy. The following was announced:

Infrastructure

Residents of Soweto will now find it a little easier to leave their cars at home and take to the streets on a bicycle instead.

Infrastructure

The opening of Transnet Wagons Refurbishing Facility in De Aar has injected economic activity into the quiet town south of Kimberly, Northern Cape.

This was a year in which we reflected frequently on our nation’s achievements during 20 Years of Freedom – 20 years that brought opportunity and hope to millions of our people.

It is what every citizen hopes for – a government that listens to their needs and then delivers services that address those needs.

Thanks to the opening of the Giyani Water Treatment Works, 55 villages in Mopani District Municipality will receive clean running water.