Aids denial leads to more deaths: Moloto

Afro-Pop star Johannes Nkuna known as Umanji

Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto says the acceptance of HIV positive status can help to reduce Aids related diseases, and denial is a major cause of Aids deaths. Moloto was addressing mourners at the funeral service of Afro-Pop star Johannes Nkuna known as ‘Umanji’ at Mogoto village in Zebediela near Lebowakgomo.

Moloto says Nkuna was among the few who disclosed their HIV status in public. Moloto says the government has enough campaigns and by now everyone should be aware that Aids is a reality. ‘Umanji’ started to be sick in 2006 when he was admitted to Magatle hospital after being diagnosed with TB.

People's Poet, Mzwake Mbuli, criticised the SABC for not doing enough to support local musicians. Mbuli was addressing mourners at the funeral service of ‘Umanji’, at Mogoto village in Zebediela near Lebowakgomo. Umanji died from an HIV/Aids-related illness a week ago. Mzwaki Mbuli criticised the SABC for not supporting local artists. He says since Umanji's death, he hasn't seen his video being played on TV.

He says this also happened when he was still alive. According to Mbuli the country's music industry will never grow as long as big companies like the SABC don't lend their support to them. He says this also happened to Lucky Dube. Limpopo's Acting Sports, Arts and Culture MEC, Dikeledi Magadzi also addressed mourners. The funeral service was attended by well known musicians that included Doc Shebeleza and Lebo Hlongwane. Umanji is survived by his mother, daughter, and three siblings.