Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - September 20, 2005
Local celebrities are supporting the Khomanani pledge campaign - and so can you.
The campaign wants every South African to pledge to take action in the face of HIV and Aids: to care, to talk, to test, to condomise.
You can pledge to talk to your children, partner, spouse, parents, community or school about HIV.
Or you can pledge to help the wonderful people who are already working in communities and workplaces to take care of those affected - particularly orphans and other vulnerable children. You can volunteer your time or donate goods.
You can get yourself tested and take steps to practise safer sex. Or pledge to be a friend to someone with HIV.
Khomanani is the government communication campaign aimed at preventing the spread of HIV and Aids and improving care and treatment for people affected by HIV, Aids, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The Minister of Health, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, has pledged "to support health workers in clinics and hospitals throughout South Africa".
Some celebrity pledges
* Connie and Shona Ferguson (Generations actress and Muvhango actor)
"We pledge to always protect each other by having our HIV tests done together as a couple."
* Krijay Govender (actress/director/comedienne)
"For Khomanani Day, I pledge to speak to girl children about issues around HIV/Aids and sexuality."
* Thornton Oaks (Tarot card reader)
"I pledge to protect myself by undergoing regular HIV tests."
* Portia Modise (Banyana Banyana captain)
"I pledge to talk to my sisters, Lucia and Lorraine, so that they should use condoms to protect themselves from Aids."
* Marc Lottering (comedian)
"I pledge to encourage all Capetonians to protect themselves and to survive. I will do this by handing out condoms."
* Slikour (member of Skwatta Kamp)
"I pledge to use a condom and to protect myself."
How to make your pledge for life
* Phone 086 222 2709
* SMS the word 'Khomanani', followed by your pledge, to 34709
* Fax your pledge to 086 611 7425
* Register your pledge at www.aidsinfo.co.za
* Pick up your pledge form at Pick 'n Pays countrywide and drop it in the box
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