Ghosting, a term that has become popular in today’s lingo which describes disappearing on someone…
“I’m all about linking people to care.”
We The Brave chatted with Lesego Teddy Mohlala the Call4Care Client Communications Liaison Manager about his passion for connecting people with the healthcare and sexual health resources that they need.
WTB: For those who have been sleeping under a rock, who are you? Where are you from, and what do you do?
Lesego: Well, I’m Lesego, from Soshanguve (on the side of Pretoria North), currently Jozi-based and I am the Call4Care Client Communications Liaison Manager, which means I am one of the fabulous people that will answer you when you text or call the number 071 683 3226 between 9 am and 4 pm – Monday to Friday, nationwide!
It’s a linkage line for sexual health care for anyone who needs it, including men who have sex with men (MSM).
WTB: What type of people can benefit from Call4Care and what services do you provide?
Lesego: Well, so far I have managed to help almost every type of person that needs access to sexual healthcare information or resources: adolescent girls, all types of men, but we are very proud of helping the MSM in South Africa who want to know about sexually transmitted infections, finding a clinic, HIV testing and treatment, ARVS, PrEP, condoms, lube and just about anything else you can think of regarding men and sex.
WTB: What do you love about the job?
Lesego: I love the diversity and the different challenges that come with the job. Advising people about HIV is a passion. Helping people who are HIV-negative to stay negative and people who are HIV-positive to stay strong and healthy is particularly rewarding for me.
WTB: What are some of your challenges and how do you try to overcome them?
Lesego: Look, I do get difficult clients, sometimes. You know what some people in our community can be like! But I’m a professional, so I don’t let rudeness get to me. I also know that some people become aggressive or emotional when they are feeling stressed and insecure so I remain calm and try and be as helpful as possible to put them at ease.
WTB: What do you wish more people knew about Call4Care?
Lesego: That we are here for anyone who wants to know more about sexual healthcare. Doesn’t matter if you’re a young girl, a big straight man, a Queen or anything in between!
WTB: What are some of the success stories that you can share with us?
Lesego: We have many success stories, I won’t lie. I’ve actually lost count because every day is a success story. But a recent incident that comes to mind is just this past Monday when a young man called me to ask for assistance.
His condom had broken during sex over the weekend and fortunately, he had the courage to call me and ask for help. I was able to get him to a clinic within the critical 72-hour period to receive free PEP treatment and prevent any possible HIV transmission.
WTB: What are your biggest dreams or goals for Call4Care and the role you play within it?
Lesego: Well, obviously the dream that we are all working towards is an HIV-free future. But I would also love it if we could eventually set-up Call4Care with the support that it needs to be available 24-hours a day, 365 days per year to every single person in sub-Saharan Africa. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
WTB: Anything else you’d like to say in closing?
Lesego: I would be delighted if more people would make use of our services. We are here for you and we will not judge you. We are here to help with your sexual health needs and if we can’t help you, we will help you to find someone who can. Call 071 683 3226!