Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - July 11, 2005
"Aids has spread because people have so many partners. People should use condoms and try to resist being with a partner until [they are] about 18 or 19 years old," Mandela said in Johannesburg on Monday morning.
Mandela was speaking at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where he was introducing four new South African ambassadors for his 46664 campaign, which is the foundation's global HIV/Aids awareness and fund-raising drive.
Musicians Vusi Mahlasela and Dozi, actress Kim Engelbrecht and Morning Live presenter Leanne Manas have agreed to be part of the campaign.
"I hope we will be able to spread the message against HIV/Aids together," said Mandela.
The new ambassadors said they will use the opportunity to spread Mandela's message.
"It's a great honour to be part of the campaign. It's going to take a lot to do justice to this call, but I'm looking forward to it," said Mahlasela.
Engelbrecht said she is now aware of the reason for her celebrity status.
"I can use my popularity in the right manner and spread Madiba's message. We need to see HIV as a disease like a common cold. We need to listen to the message and take a minute in the heat of the moment to use a condom."
Both Dozi and Manas said they will use their popularity to educate and inform people, especially, children, about HIV/Aids.
Mandela said he is grateful that the four new ambassadors will join him in the fight against Aids.
He added that he knows some people have beautiful and attractive partners, but that is no reason to be careless because a disease is still a disease and anyone could have it.
"People should, in fact, delay having sex until they are about 21 years old and then use contraceptives when they do," said Mandela.
He said he will continue to stress the need for the use of condoms, although some religious groups do not want the foundation to encourage their use.
The announcement of the four new ambassadors forms part of Madiba's 87th birthday celebrations taking place throughout this month.
Dozi, Engelbrecht, Mahlasela and Manas join Will Smith, Beyonce, Ronaldo, Mandoza, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Annie Lennox, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Youssou N'Dour and Amitabh Bachchan, who have already been appointed as 46664 ambassadors.
050711
SA050704
Copyright © 2005 - 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 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .