Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Uys had the Press Club in stitches when he launched the video entitled "Having sex with Pieter-Dirk".
It is a fast-moving, informative, funny, shocking, and offensive video presentation. It takes all the sacred sexual and social cows and herds them together into the real world, which affects everyone watching the film.
Issues dealt with included safe sex and condoms, the importance of controlling sexually transmitted diseases, rape and abuse and a clear understanding of what the HI-virus is and the results of Aids.
Introducing a range of South Africans, starting with apartheid-era cabinet minister Piet Koornhof, Uys uses humour in the belief that laughing at one's fears makes people less fearful.
"We are not laughing at HIV/Aids, we are laughing at the absurd attitudes and dangerous taboos that stop people receiving the information that can save their lives," Uys says.
"The video is designed to get people talking, to accept the reality of HIV/Aids and learn to avoid infection as well as learn to have compassion for those who are infected."
Uys said the message is one of hope: Everyone is responsible for their own lives. People have choices and must be empowered with knowledge of sex and safe sex so that they could live, "even when they love".
Uys says the video is one way of encouraging people to stay alive through knowing how.
"The bottom line is clear: Aids will succeed in South Africa where apartheid failed. If 40 percent of our workforce is already HIV-positive in 2002, half of them will be dead in 2006. Investment will dwindle, business will shrink. Fears will again reign supreme," Uys says.
Aids took no sides. It chose no colour. Everyone was a target.
"And the message is a simple one to all ages, all races, and all cultures: Come to terms with the reality of HIV/Aids. It is not about death, it is about life," Uys says.
The first 10 corporate HIV/Aids awareness videos were being delivered to Standard Bank, Impala Platinum, Edgars, Woolworths, Gold Fields, De Beers, I&J, Liberty Life, BP and SAB. - Sapa
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