Limpopo government officials will light candles today for all those who have died of HIV and AIDS and in support of those who are living with the disease and are affected by it.

Local government and housing MEC Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will be accompanied by senior managers of her department.

"The candlelight memorial is a reminder not to focus on illnesses and statistics, but on the people who are affected - the woman who has lost her partner, the orphan who has lost a parent, the grandmother who is caring for her daughter's children," said department spokesperson Khuitse Diseko.

Mr Diseko said it was important to create an environment which provided love, care and support to those who need it.

"The HIV and Aids pandemic has the potential to undo the many gains that have been made by the province and our municipalities since democracy was achieved."

Executive mayor of the Capricorn District Municipality, which includes Polokwane, Motalane Monakede, said his district had done a study to determine the prevalence of HIV among its staff members.

"Our HIV prevalence survey indicated that 11.4 percent of our employees live with HIV and also showed high levels of ignorance around it," said Mr Monakede.

The candle-lighting ceremony will be held at the Meropa Casino in Polokwane.

Representatives from the National Association of People With Aids and Sowetan journalist and motivational speaker Lucky Mazibuko are expected to also light candles and give presentations.