Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association (Johannesburg) - October 5, 2002
Speaking at the start of the Partnership Against Aids week, he said the partnership launched by President Thabo Mbeki in October 1998, was a powerful weapon that South Africans could use to bring together their collective wisdom and energies to confront the epidemic.
"Through the partnership, we add our strength to South Africa's fight against HIV and Aids, and in turn, we take strength from the partnership," Zuma said.
"More than any other initiative in South Africa, the partnership has the capacity to present a united response to the scourge of HIV and Aids."
Zuma said he had attended a Men's Imbizo against Aids earlier on Saturday in Parow and was encouraged by the commitment and energy of all who had attended.
He appealed to men to respect the rights of their partners to say "no" to sex or to request the use of a condom.
"All of us, but men especially, need to work together to expose those who sexually abuse children, putting them at risk of HIV infection and tearing them apart physically and mentally."
Zuma said there was a possibility that the increasing attack on infants was based on the mistaken belief that raping children would either cure a man from Aids or prevent him from being infected.
Some of the rapists have been apprehended and the government would continue to do all in its power to deal with offenders, he said.
"You can do your part by communicating to discourage any further rape, and by coming forward with information so that we work together to protect our children from these degenerates," Zuma said.
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