Durban Saturday 23 February 2002
Director of Ceremonies,
His Majesty the King,
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal,
Former President Nelson Mandela,
Provincial Minister of Health,
Chairperson and Trustees of the Orphans of Aids Trust,
Representatives from the Provincial and Local Governments,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The bedrock on which our communities have been built over decades is the principle of "Every Child is My Child."
I therefore take pride in being part of this project, which is a practical example of that philosophy, given that we are gathered here to make our humble contributions to giving disadvantaged children a chance in life.
And tonight, the launch of the Orphans of Aids Trust reminds us that what we achieve together is far more powerful, and far more meaningful, than what we can achieve as individuals.
We have seen the heart-wrenching images of destruction and tragedy caused by HIV and Aids, from the very vivid video display. It is a reminder to all of us of the serious threat that the HIV and Aids pandemic poses. The sad reality is that many parents and families cannot care for children infected or affected by HIV and Aids. Your support for this initiative is therefore laudable, and we truly appreciate it.
I have personally experienced the magnitude of the problem on a smaller scale through the Jacob Zuma Educational Trust Fund. We started it to assist orphans in general to get an education, but we now receive more requests for assistance from many orphans of Aids.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to emphasise how much we value partnerships such as the one being launched tonight. The concept of Partnership Against Aids has helped us to mount an effective awareness campaign. Today, awareness levels in the country are estimated at well over 90%.
This type of partnership will also assist us in meeting our greatest challenges, which include:
Friends, the Orphans of Aids Trust is indeed a unique partnership. The coming together of business, Government, and most importantly the media sector, in the form of the Independent Newspaper Group, is indeed a powerful addition to our arsenal of weapons against the impact of HIV and Aids. The Independent Group has taken the lead in showing that the media industry can play an active role in the fight against HIV and Aids.
We also value the opportunity of introducing Bephu the Bear, who has become a central figure and mouthpiece in our collective efforts to bring hope to the many unfortunate little ones. Bephu embodies the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the increasing number of children orphaned by Aids. He epitomises the almost lost opportunity of a fulfilling, meaningful life, free of poverty and full of promise and hope.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank one of our leading patriots, Mark Shuttleworth, who has taken up the cause of orphans of Aids in this province. Through him, Bephu the Bear will become the first South African teddy bear to go into outer space. I am sure you join me in wishing him well. We are confident of success, and Bephu will ultimately become a universal ambassador for orphans of HIV/Aids.
It also delights us that the foremost fighter for children's rights, former President Nelson Mandela has accepted the added responsibility of being associated with our efforts.
Ladies and gentlemen, the tragedy of babies who are born infected with HIV cannot fail to move us. That is why preventing mother-to-child-transmission of HIV forms a core part of government's programme of HIV and Aids prevention.
You will recall that at the International Aids Conference in July 2000 in Durban, research was prevented on the use of neviropine. Based on this, Government developed a more comprehensive programme to reduce HIV transmission to babies, and to conduct further research. In May 2001 the first of eighteen national research sites began to operate, involving two hundred and fifteen clinics and hospitals by the end of the year.
Provinces have studied the research results, and some have recommended an increase in the number of hospitals and clinics where nevirapine is available within the programme.
Earlier today, the South African National Aids Council met in this city and among other things, received a comprehensive report on the status of the mother-to-child-transmission programme through nevirapine.
The Council noted that significant progress has been made and that this needs to be communicated as a matter of urgency to key stakeholders.
From our side as government, we are confident that we are playing our part fully in the fight against HIV and Aids.
You would have noticed that we increased HIV/Aids funding in the Budget announced last week, from three hundred and forty two, point eight million rand to one billion rand.
This is in addition to the elaborate programmes that Government has rolled out, aimed at effectively fighting this epidemic. This is indeed a clear and practical demonstration of Government's commitment to the war against HIV and Aids.
Ladies and gentlemen, we must express our most sincere appreciation to, and compliment, all the Trustees and sponsors of the Orphans of Aids Trust.
There are no words to thank you enough; but a look in the eyes of one of the little beneficiaries of your time, energy and other resources would say it all.
Let us take Bephu the Bear and the Orphans of Aids Trust that he represents into our hearts and make a difference to the lives of this province's children.
Most importantly, let us continue to embrace the principle of "every child is my child" to ensure a better future for generations to come.
I thank you.