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Aga Mbokazi, male staff nurse at the Ekukhanyeni AIDS Hospice, speaks how he found his calling to help others.

„I was born and grew up in Ekukhanyeni. From an early age, I knew the sisters. I remember that even the house owned by my grandmother was built by the sisters. It was a three-roomed house, and I grew up there. I belonged to the Church and received a lot of support from the parish priest and the sisters.

At that time, I remember there was a grant from Germany for children and I benefitted. I went to school in Verulam, and I had to take my own lunch.

I was told to go every Saturday to do some garden work at the convent to earn some money for my lunch box. We received food parcels from the clinic, and we were sick we paid R 10 for medical attention and treatment.

But if we didn’t have money the sisters would attend to us anyway. My great-grandmother, my granny and other relatives worked at the clinic. It became like a home for me.

It was an advantage to be close to Fr. John and the sisters. I am most grateful and appreciative of their help. Most people of my age are smoking and drinking. Being close to Fr. John and the sisters helps me to avoid any wrongdoing. I am very grateful to the sisters because whatever they get they share.

Some clothes from Germany fit my children. Fr. John continues to support my family whenever I am struggling. My son is attending school in Hillcrest and Fr John helps with school fees.

I grew in the Catholic Church, and I was close to the priest. Some people thought I was called to be a priest. When my mother was very sick in Osindisweni Hospital, I found her neglected.

I decided to be a nurse and a do better job in caring for the sick. It is part of my vocation to forget about myself and help other people first. I enjoy being here at the Ekukhanyeni AIDS Hospice. I want to be good to people who are not able to help themselves. I have that power that God gave me to help other people.“

Aga Mbokazi
Male staff nurse at the Ekukhanyeni AIDS Hospice