Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - November 25, 2001
The unicity council has budgeted R150 000 and hundreds of schoolchildren and hostel dwellers will be bussed into the city centre.
"Our focus is on the abuse of children and women who are killed by their partners. We have invited children to enlighten them about what abuse is.
"There is no need to exclude children from such events because their lives are also affected by HIV and Aids," said the city's executive director of parks, recreation and culture, Thembinkosi Ngcobo.
"Many children are being raped by people who still believe sleeping with virgins will cure them of Aids, which is not the case. Some children don't know what abuse is and don't report such cases."
For the first time, the council has invited various organisations and individuals to set up stalls in Gugu Dlamini Park where the ceremony will be held.
Ngcobo said there would also be musical entertainment, including a performance by Msawawa, the nine-year-old kwaito sensation. The Grade 6 Johannesburg pupil hails from Clermont, Durban.
"As a council, we have decided to be upfront about HIV and Aids because it affects everyone, including the council as an employer.
"The council puts a lot of resources into developing its employees, but when it's time to produce, there is not much because employees are sick and dying of Aids.
"We have started a policy of encouraging our employees to find out their HIV status, as this would help those who are positive to take better care of themselves and those not infected to ensure that they are not infected in the future.
"Those who don't want to know their HIV status are problematic because of their I don't-care attitude."
Ngcobo expressed disappointment over the slow progress of the investigation into the case of slain Aids activist Gugu Dlamini, who was stoned to death for publicly revealing that she had Aids.
"It is sad that no one has been held accountable for Dlamini's death after such a long time. This seemed to portray an image that it is okay to kill someone with HIV or Aids, as you won't be sent to jail."
Next Saturday's activities will begin with a march from the Durban Christian Centre in Berea Road to Gugu Dlamini Park.
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