SHE was only 20 when her "evil boyfriend" allegedly told her these cruel words that changed her life forever.
"Welcome to the world of Aids, Kagiso!"
But 25 years later, the fearless 45-year-old Kagiso Bokaba, from Garankuwa Zone 7, stands tall and celebrating - not mourning.
The single mum to a 12-year-old has turned her pain into power this Women's Month.
She's shouting from the rooftops about her incredible journey with HIV.
Kagiso said she'll never forget that terrible day when her heartless ex-boyfriend allegedly infected her and then threw those wicked words in her face.
"He said 'me and you are going to die together'. I thought it was a sick joke and cried, thinking death was coming for me. There were no ARVs back then, it felt like a death sentence," she told Daily Sun.
However, this warrior woman refused to give up.
She went for counselling, learned everything about HIV/Aids, and slowly built herself back up.
"I decided - no more hiding. I was going to love myself, take my medication, hit the gym, eat right, sleep well and help others fight this battle," said Kagiso.
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She said everyone in her community was shocked when she entered a beauty pageant and modelling to tell her story loudly and proudly.
She's been Mrs Globe finalist, Mrs Universe finalist and Mrs SA semi-finalist - all while living openly with HIV.
"I know exactly why God kept me alive - because I'm strong! Warriors don't quit, and I won't quit fighting for others," said Kagiso.
Even though she allegedly faces death threats for helping others, this brave woman keeps going.
She said living with HIV for 25 years was no joke.
"I had to read and talk about it openly. I love reading, music and beautiful landscapes. All I want is to leave my footprints behind," said Kagiso.
Her proudest achievements include her beauty pageant successes and reaching 25 years with HIV. She also acts and does motivational speaking, proving that HIV is not a death sentence.
This incredible woman is still here, 25 years later - and is going nowhere!
