The evening of the 5th of December 2013 was like no other for South Africa. The stars that offered light seemed bleak and dark. As night beckoned for the dawn, it ushered in a new chapter, albeit sad and painful. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, was no more. Although his death was expected due to his unstable health over a long time, the pain and sadness over his loss is heartfelt. Nelson Mandela was an iconic world leader who dedicated his life to fighting the injustices of apartheid and defending the rights of the down-trodden. He was also a unifier of the oppressor and the oppressed. Loved by many he truly was the father of our nation.
Nelson Mandela was instrumental in raising global awareness of HIV/AIDS, particularly after his single term of office between 1994 and 1999. After this, he became a global voice in the fight against the epidemic. His most prominent contribution was through the 46664 campaign, a music-led HIV/AIDS awareness campaign which derived its name from his prison number during his imprisonment on Robben Island. Mandela financed a number of HIV/AIDS projects through the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, from scientific surveys to programmes for AIDS orphans. Mandela had a deep love of humanity, and children in particular.
On January 6, 2005, Mandela lost his only surviving son, Makgatho Mandela, to an AIDS-related illness. At a time when many people were silent because of the shame and stigma that AIDS attracts, Mandela was bold enough to announce the cause of his only son’s passing.
“Let us give publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hide it, because the only way of making it appear to be a normal illness, just like TB (tuberculosis), like cancer, is always to come out and say somebody has died because of HIV,” Mandela said shortly after his son’s death.
In June last year, while he was fighting for his life in hospital, the head of the UN AIDS prevention agency hailed Nelson Mandela for his role in breaking the silence and shame surrounding the deadly disease. “He was the one who really helped us break the conspiracy of silence,” said Michel Sidibe, the executive director of UNAIDS, in an interview with French news agency, AFP. “His legacy is that of non-discrimination, inclusiveness, and making sure that we will continue to fight for the rights of people without rights … That is what he brought to the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
Such selflessness and dedication is the kind of force that South Africa needs to break the back of the HIV epidemic.
“Mandela played a significant role behind the scenes in 2002 – 2003 to change the government’s policy on antiretroviral treatment,” said CEO of the South African National AIDS Council, Dr Fareed Abdullah. “He visited the first public sector anti-retroviral treatment programme in Khayelitsha, Western Cape, and publicly declared his support for treatment. During his visit, he told people that he was paying for a university student’s ARV treatment and has seen her rise from her death bed and live a purposeful and successful life,” recalls Abdullah.
“We salute the leadership Nelson Mandela has provided in raising awareness around HIV/AIDS, especially through his 46664 campaign. We also salute him for his role during a difficult time in 2003, when he lent his support to ensuring that people living with HIV access appropriate treatment and services,” said Mmapaseka “Steve” Letsike, deputy chairperson of SANAC and chairperson of the Civil Society Forum. “uTata Madiba’s steadfastness, courage, dedication and pledge to the liberation of South Africa and the people of Africa against apartheid, racism, sexism and homophobia, amongst others, will continue to be an example of strong leadership, great devotion and patriotism.”
The South African National AIDS Council and, indeed, the HIV community, can never thank Mandela enough for his role and contribution in our cause. We say: Ndlela nhle! Lala ngoxolo! Tsela tshweu tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela!