Bay Area Reporter - June 8, 2001
Liz Highleyman

Nkosi, who contracted HIV perinatally, became well-known both in South Africa and throughout the world for speaking openly about his infection in a country where stigma against the disease remains strong. He was adopted at age 2; his birth mother died of AIDS-related causes in 1997. Four years ago, Nkosi and his adoptive mother, Gail Johnson, waged a battle to allow the boy to attend public school despite his infection. That battle resulted in the implementation of HIV non-discrimination policies in schools, and was the subject of the South African television documentary Nkosi's Mission.

Nkosi grabbed the world's attention last summer when he addressed the 13th International AIDS Conference in Durban, asking for acceptance and support for people with the disease. "We are all human beings. We are normal," Nkosi told conference delegates. "We have needs just like everyone else. Don't be afraid of us. We are the same." The young activist also advocated on behalf of AIDS orphans like himself and promoted the use of condoms to reduce HIV transmission.

Nkosi became associated with political controversy in South Africa when he encouraged President Thabo Mbeki to provide antiretroviral drugs to HIV-positive pregnant women to reduce the chances of vertical transmission to their infants. Mbeki has been hesitant to provide these drugs due to issues of cost, the lack of medical infrastructure, and a belief that factors other than HIV contribute to AIDS in Africa.

Some South Africans have expressed concern that Nkosi was used as a political pawn and that international publicity deprived him of a normal childhood. But according to South African Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron, who has himself become well-known for speaking openly about being HIV positive, Nkosi chose to be an activist. Nkosi was "a person with maturity far beyond his years," said Cameron. "He had an awareness of the threat to his life and the importance of his life in lessening the threat to other people with AIDS."

Public figures and AIDS advocates worldwide expressed their admiration for Nkosi and their sadness at his death; politicians and trade unions sent condolences. According to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who has made AIDS one of his key priorities, "He was a very courageous young man, a courageous child. ... We have lost a voice." Said former South African President Nelson Mandela, "It is a great pity that this young man has died. He was very bold. ... Children such as Nkosi Johnson should be enjoying a life filled with laughter and happiness. On a frightening scale, HIV/AIDS is replacing that joy, laughter and happiness with paralyzing pain and trauma."

A memorial service for Nkosi was held on June 6 at a large soccer stadium. According to Gail Johnson, a foundation will be established in Nkosi's honor to raise money for AIDS orphans and mothers and children with AIDS.
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