Issued by: Office of the Presidency
9 May 2002
Deputy President Jacob Zuma will this weekend engage in a number of activities aimed at taking the Government's fight against HIV and AIDS forward.
The Deputy President is the leader of the Presidential Task Team on Aids and Chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC).
The activities are aimed at promoting care and support for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, leading up to International Candlelight Memorial Day on 19 May 2002. The theme for this year's memorial is "Share Your Vision for a Brighter Tomorrow".
On Saturday, the Deputy President will host SANAC's special meeting at the Holiday Inn, Beatrix Street, in Pretoria, aimed at further strengthening the Partnership Against Aids and to brief SANAC members on the decisions taken by Cabinet on 17 April regarding Government implementation of its HIV/AIDS policy.
On Sunday 12 May, the Deputy President will attend a prayer service hosted by the South African Council of Churches to highlight a national commitment by church leadership to condemn the stigmatisation of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. The service will be held at Regina Mundi in Soweto at 14h00.
On the same day at 16h00, the Deputy President will address a moral regeneration rally at the Union Stadium in Westbury, Johannesburg, to spread the message of building a caring nation. The theme of the rally, which is being held on Mother's Day, is "Women Arise".
On Tuesday, 14 May at 9am, the Deputy President will visit the Pretoria Sun Garden Hospice in Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria. The Hospice is currently caring for 105 HIV/AIDS patients from and around Pretoria.
The Hospice visit is aimed at highlighting the need for love, care and support for those living with HIV and AIDS, to remember those who have died of the disease and their families, and to promote volunteerism in communities with regards to caring for AIDS patients.
For more information please contact Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575.