At a time when HIV/AIDS was still an unspoken of issue, a thorn for those affected directly or indirectly, Tariro Makanga (TM) made a brave step forward, becoming one of the first television presenters to tackle this issue head-on. She soon made a breakthrough, hitting into the root of the HIV stigma that has lingered over several decades. She is now one of the most celebrated faces in Zimbabwe who has dedicated the greater part of her life raising awareness around HIV related issues, advocating for access to treatment and above all ensuring that vulnerable communities are not marginalised. ZimEye.com’s Grace Kwinjeh (GK) talks to Makanga on her journey over the past decade.
Apart from being a leading social activist, the fashionista like any other girl has a passion for fine shoes and clothes; she also discusses this. Makanga reveals to ZimEye.com exclusive outlets she enjoys shopping in.

GK: Who is Tariro Makanga?
TM: Tariro Makanga is a 40 year old Zimbabwean woman who has a passion of making a difference through using media, with special bias to young people and women.
GK: You have dedicated your life and profession in raising awareness around HIV/AIDS issues. Tell us about this journey?
TM: My journey into HIV related issues started soon after I graduated with my Diploma in Mass Communications where I majored in broadcasting. I had an opportunity to be the presenter of a youth TV programme called Youth Connection. This was my debut into serious TV work. The reality of HIV hit me on the second episode of that series when I went to Mashambanzou, which is an institution that provides all services to people with HIV, mainly those who now have AIDS.
Those days treatment was not available. I saw AIDS and not HIV there. I remember I could not eat that evening from just the trauma I got. I remember getting home and bathing and started crying.
The journey continued with me being exposed to many HIV and AIDS issues. The work now developed into a passion, where I now started using the media to advocate for services for People Living with HIV.

My show had a break for a year when I moved jobs and worked for Federation of African Media Women Zimbabwe (FAMWZ), and was advocating for women and development issues, with special focus on women working in the media. I was head hunted by SAFAIDS and moved jobs. It being the focus of the organisation I work for, the journey continued up to present day. My work in HIV response has been ongoing, from a time when AIDS deaths were regular to present day where treatment is readily available. Stigma is controlled and HIV not being a death sentence.
GK: By saying stigma is controlled you mean people are more able to openly and honestly discuss issues surrounding HIV?
TM: On stigma what I mean is that people now understand about HIV. People living with HIV used to be given own utensils to use but this is not the same any more. People openly talk about being on treatment unlike before.
GK: What would you say the impact of HIV/AIDS has been on our society?
TM: HIV for me bears the face of a woman. In our region, women bear the brunt of HIV. From being carers, to living with it, and often being the first ones to know of their status in the home when they go for antenatal visits. Women have faced abuse, divorce and stigma because of HIV.
HIV has also affected young people greatly. Child headed households became common, meaning young people missed the chance of experiencing their youth, some dropped out of school after losing both parents. Our social fabric was greatly impacted by HIV.
It’s pleasing to note that a lot of these challenges have been addressed as now we do not lose many people like we used to before the advent of treatment.
GK: In the SADC region where would you place Zimbabwe in terms of access to treatment, awareness raising and support and care?
TM: I work in Southern Africa and have witnessed interventions in the different countries. Zimbabwe is the only country in the region which is often quoted by UNAIDS and SADC as a best practice with an AIDS Trust Fund. This is showing our commitment as a country to be contributing something to the HIV response and add to aid that we receive.
Treatment is now readily available both in the public and private health institutions. We are also on course as a country to the 90x 90x 90 targets by 2020.
As a country, I feel we have done well. Both the Government and the partners who support us through financial aid.
TM: This is not to say we are 100%. We still need to continue working hard so that we do not have cases of stock outs or people having to travel a distance to access treatment. Like any other country, we still need more resources so that we have zero deaths related to HIV, in the process contributing to ending AIDS by 2030.
GK: You have really been courageous in giving a human face to the pandemic, what has this been like for you at a personal level, in dealing say with stigma associated ? Did your family and friends at the time understand what you were on about?
TM: My cousin at one time came home crying that people were telling him that your sister who comes out on TV is HIV positive. This was coming from the fact that when on TV, I always ask questions in the first person, I have never asked questions to say so how can people living with HIV access treatment. I always say, how do we access treatment or how do we deal with such and such a side effect. This led people to conclude that I was also HIV+.
I did not mind but some of those close to me always wanted to be sure. So I would not say everyone understood; And am not sure if they all do now .
I guess because I am so direct, no one has the guts to say it in my face. I would not lose sleep because someone thinks I am HIV+. My answer would be so what? Does that change anything?
GK: On a social note apart from the important work you are doing around HIV awareness raising and advocacy, Tariro is also a leading fashionista. Tell us more?
TM: Ha ha ha, fashion is my weakness. I always want to look good. Shoes, bags and clothes define me. I love social media and most people who follow me are my friends and have done so just to follow my fashion. I recently took a sabbatical off Facebook and the number of people who came into my messenger inbox saying we miss your fashion was just humbling and amazing. So yes, I do have a soft spot to looking good.
GK: I follow your fashion too and am not only inspired but challenged, what are some of your best labels? And if I can ask do you even wear a pair of shoes twice?
TM: -Shoes Cassadei, BCBG, Kurt Geiger and Pokello’s Addicted to Shoes are the most pairs in my closet. Clothes it’s a mixed bag really. Most of the clothes I get Wows on are Secret, which is a Lebanese brand, yes you got it right Lebanese. Karen Millen, Turkish brands, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs are my favourite too. I can also just walk into Woolies, or any boutique and make a good pick. For me fashion is not necessarily about brands but how you put it too. I can mix a very cheap item and a reasonably priced one and look like a million dollars. I also have Zimbabwean designers who do most of my event designs. Goddess by Fatima and Sadia Fashions are my best.
On shoes, I do wear my shoes more than once definitely. But I must admit shoes are almost an addiction. Most of my friends know the type of shoe to get me and for my birthday I can get 10 pairs from them.
GK: -Wow thank you Tariro. Any other word for our readers you would like to share?
TM: -To make this world a better place for everyone, let us be each other’s keeper. Let us ask ourselves if we are doing enough for the other person. I believe in giving the little I have and if we all can do our bit, we will make more than enough smiles.