Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association (Johannesburg) - February 19, 2003
The TAC members, who included the organisation's chairman Zackie Achmat, were eventually allowed in after spirited intervention by Pan Africanist Congress MP Patricia de Lille.
"It's just like the old days. Nothing has changed," she said angrily.
Tshabalala-Msimang was chairing a briefing for parliamentary media by ministers from Cabinet's social cluster, and her presentation included several references to HIV/Aids.
However police prevented about 10 TAC members, most of them wearing "HIV Positive" T-shirts, from entering the auditorium.
The group stayed outside the closed glass doors, singing and dancing, as Achmat promised a senior health ministry official that they would be "dead quiet" if they were allowed inside.
"If they don't let us in we're going to get arrested here today because we won't allow anyone out," he said.
Government communications official Colin Cruywagen first told them they would be allowed in once the minister had finished her presentation, then, after renewed protest, allowed them in while she was still speaking.
Government Communication and Information Service chief director for media liaison Mdu Lembede said later it appeared there had been a misunderstanding, and that he had been told by police that the TAC members had wanted to demonstrate during the briefing.
"I said we could not allow that," he said.
Tshabalala-Msimang said she had not been aware they were excluded.
"As far as I am concerned they are most welcome to come her... My view would have been that they should have been allowed right from the start. This is an open meeting."
She said the TAC representatives might have learned from her presentation that there was a treasury and Department of Health task team engaged looking at the cost implications of anti-retroviral treatment for people with HIV/Aids.
TAC has threatened civil disobedience if the government does not come up with a treatment plan.
Tshabalala-Msimang said government realised it needed to communicate adequately with the public "and it is exactly what we intend to do".
"We are going to be issuing out statements that indicate what government has done thus far with regards to our response to HIV and Aids.
"We think once our people have understood what government has been doing and what government intends to do, yes they will know that this government cares."
030219
SA030207
Copyright © 2003 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .