Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - August 25, 2006
"Whatever criticisms anyone may have of South Africa's policies on HIV/Aids, whether valid or not, the current climate of heightened discord does not serve the interests of the common struggle against the epidemic," the party said on its website.
"The increasing resort to confrontation by some organisations and political parties over South Africa's response to the Aids epidemic is not only unjustified, it also threatens to undermine the progress made in implementing a comprehensive response to one of the greatest challenges our society has faced."
This climate is fuelled by a sustained effort to misrepresent the positions and programmes of government and to vilify Tshabalala-Msimang for implementing the collective decisions of Cabinet.
"This effort has been joined through the opportunistic intervention of political forces seeking to gain whatever advantage they can from the suffering of the South African people," the ANC said.
Both government and the ANC have a responsibility to engage with all interested parties and give proper consideration to all honest criticism.
However, this does not mean that the full implementation of democratically mandated policies should be derailed by a climate of conflict and acrimony.
"As a nation, we need to actively address the prevailing climate of confrontation and misrepresentation in public discourse around HIV and Aids, so that we can work together in partnership to address the serious challenges we face in a spirit of cooperation and sincere engagement," the ANC said.
The Treatment Action Campaign embarked on a day of civil disobedience on Thursday, and six opposition parties joined hands and petitioned President Thabo Mbeki to fire Tshabalala-Msimang.
The "global day of action" coincided with a government announcement that it is to launch a new communications strategy to address doubts about its commitment to the fight against Aids.
Tshabalala-Msimang's department has vigorously defended her, saying she will not resign.
The National Association of People Living with Aids also came out in support of Tshabalala-Msimang, saying the calls for her resignation were without substance.
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