Meza Weza is not only a man with one of the coolest names ever, he is also a man born to lead. After losing his brothers to an AIDS-related illness, Meza sprung into action to try and stop the spread of HIV in his community. Meza says people were dying and his acute senses of justice and responsibility, would not allow him to sit idly by.
Meza bears all the burdens and enjoys a few of the privileges one would expect a community leader to shoulder. His calmness, conviction and love are there for all to see. As he earns a humble living as a farm worker, where he is also the Worker’s Representative, he also serves as a volunteer peer educator and change agent for the Centre for Positive Care. His work ethic and charisma make him ideal for his responsibilities at work and in his volunteering.
Meza inspires people to change from bad behaviours and habits to good ones, and focuses on their lifestyle, health, treatments and communal co-existence. He does not take his volunteer duties lightly; “It is my duty to bring people to the light.” Meza says that being a peer educator and change agent makes it pivotal that he better himself since he must lead by both word and example. He is a humble man, believing he learns as much from the community as they do from him.
Meza admits it can be hard work. He says people can be stubborn and some refuse help or live in denial. Some members of his community are also scared but he is never fazed or discouraged. Sometimes, infected people who have declined help or whose families have declined help on their behalf, pass on and it hurts Meza deeply. He stands by the families during all the tough times.
He is resolute on his chosen road despite issues and stresses that even affect his own family at times. However, with conviction and character, this farm worker soldiers on – joined by other farm workers in the region who are also volunteers.
Meza hopes to one day see every member of his community actively involved in organisations such as the Centre For Positive Care, or assisting in any capacity they can, wherever they can. Meza reminds us; “If you do things voluntarily, it pays you.” He urges us all to join him and his fellow community members in responding to HIV and AIDS because as he adamantly asserts, “At the end of the day, we are all affected.”
Share your stories of people or community-based organisations who are true champions of their communities in the fight against HIV, AIDS and TB. Email: Worldaidsday@sanac.org.za