David Macana, a North West resident, was diagnosed with tuberculosis at the ages of 29, 33 and 37.
Former mineworker David Macana fought hard to overcome a pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis - not just once, but three times - and is now determined to ensure that other people also beat the odds and overcome the bacterial disease. A year after leaving the mining industry, at 37, Macana said he could not believe it when he was diagnosed with TB for a third time.
"I was hospitalised for nine months... It was difficult because I was isolated. Such isolation brought a lot of pressure on me. I could adhere to my treatment through the education provided to my family and friends. Each morning, I had to take about 24 pills," Macana told News24 with a scratchy voice that speaks of the damage the disease has caused.
Macana added that his focus had now shifted to ensuring people check their health status, get treatment, and complete it.