On 29 August 2013, The Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust is hosting its annual update (UMBIKO WONYAKA) ceremonial, where an update of the overall progress of the centre will be discussed and shared with any interested parties.

The Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) is a multifaceted HIV/AIDS project that provides care and support to all infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in a practical, sustainable way.HACT was founded in 1990 as a ministry of the Hillcrest Methodist Church, it serves several poverty – torn communities in the Valley of 1000 Hills region – one of the epicentres of the world’s pandemic, with estimated HIV –infection rates of 40-60% in some communities.

“Our organisation is a place of acceptance, free of judgment, where individuals are loved unconditionally through their illness,” explains Chief Executive Officer, Olivia Myeza.

She adds that as a Christian organisation, HACT upholds values of love, grace, hope, humbleness and gentleness. For this reason the organisation has a community – development approach, developed with the input of community members. “HACT  works on a ’ bottom-up’ approach to community development – by empowering and training individuals rather than simply giving hand –outs , as a result the organisation helps people to find sustainable ways to become food secure and to generate income for themselves,” explains Olivia.

Over the past 21 years HACT has expanded its projects in response to the needs of communities in the region. HACT projects focus on three main aspects namely care, poverty alleviation and prevention of new infections.

HACT has now experienced a year and a half of new leadership under Olivia’s direction, which has seen the Trust   implement additional programs such as the Children’s Programme, which aims to help children deal with issues and challenges they face on daily basis. Additionally, she explains that old foundations have been firmed by policies and structures being reworked, refined and standardised.

 According to Olivia: “We invite any interested members of the community to attend our AGM, to learn and provide input. Hard copies of our 2013 Annual Report will be available, and the management team will speak about the developments in their departments over the past year. There will also be musical entertainment and morning tea provided.”

The date and time of the event is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday 29 August

Time: 10am – 12pm

Venue: Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust

26 Old Main Road, Hillcrest

To learn more about Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust or to RSVP for the annual update   (UMBIKO WONYAKA)    contact Olivia on 031 765 5866 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  by August 26^th.