Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian (King William's Town) - October 23, 2002
"Without people we cannot steer this country to sustainable development," he said.
Mandela was addressing traditional leaders including amaRharhabe king Maxhob'ayakhawuleza Sandile and other guests during an HIV/Aids awareness campaign. He said HIV/Aids was one of the most critical challenges facing the nation and the world today, warning that the disease was a threat to everything and everyone.
"It endangers many of the developmental, social and economic gains that had been made since 1994." As the number of infected people increased, poverty levels had deepened and continue to plague many communities. It was difficult for affected people to talk openly about HIV/Aids because they faced hostility and discrimination. They were made to feel like outsiders within their own communities.
The former president urged the public to provide a positive environment in which people could declare their HIV/Aids status. Historically and culturally, traditional leaders had played an important role in guiding and supporting their communities, Mandela said, urging leaders to be at the forefront of giving people information about the disease and to find ways in which those affected could be assisted.
He urged leaders to take the lead in breaking the silence and to talk openly to their communities and families about HIV/Aids. "The time has come for us to take real action. Destigmatisation starts with us."
Mandela said one of the most important tools in combating this disease was information. HIV/Aids could only be stopped if people were provided with basic information to dispel the myths that still existed around the disease.
He warned that many people still did not know the basic facts -- that there was no cure for the disease, how it was being spread and what measures could be taken to protect them. "Your people need you now more than every before. Show that you care and display true leadership in assisting them combat the disease."
He warned that there was no need to stigmatise people. Mandela reminded the guests that he had gone public after being diagnosed with tuberculosis while in prison, and that he had disclosed having prostate cancer.
Those disclosures, Mandela said, had helped him overcome both diseases.
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