Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - May 28, 2006

My decision to speak out about the cause of our children's death was difficult and personal. I felt I had a responsibility as a leader of my people to speak out against the stigma and silence which are the main causes of the prolific spread of this deadly disease. I knew that I was taking a risk due to the sensitivities of such matters in African culture. But I have never regretted it once. I hope my decision has made a small difference.

I did things that I would not normally countenance. For instance, I allowed myself to be filmed walking near my children's graves, for a British television station. I simply thought if the image helped, I should do so.

Throughout my long exposure to HIV/Aids through my personal and professional interests, my constituency and my closest family, I have never had the slightest doubt, that, together, we can stop the disease.

I have heard, and indeed experienced, many heartbreaking accounts of the devastation that this preventable plague has brought on communities. But I have also heard many stories of people and entire countries that, with qualified medical help, have successfully addressed the disease.

The HIV/Aids pandemic is the most serious social-economic crisis South Africans have ever faced, apartheid included. It can only be tackled with genuine commitment and political will. From the highest to the lowest levels of government and civil society, the pandemic can only be defeated against a backdrop of hope.

A successful long-term strategy to defeat it can only work as a partnership between the infected/affected on the one hand, and private/public sectors and international organisations on the other. Unnecessary confusion regarding the cause and true danger of the disease must be rooted out once and for all.

Another key is to empower the vulnerable. In addition to HIV-positive pregnant women, a comprehensive roll-out programme must be extended to cover suckling babies, rape victims, prisoners and everyone diagnosed with HIV.

I, personally, will never cease to campaign against the myth of "virgin cure", for education and empowerment of women, for improvement of court procedures for rape victims, and for assistance to orphans and child-headed households.

As for Irene and me, life goes on, somehow. The relentless clock will not stop for anyone. Irene and I look after Mandisi's son, and he brings much joy to our lives.

As for my dear children, I will never forget their doughty fight and their stubborn determination to live and, yes, smile in the most difficult of times. The human spirit is really quite glorious - even in the shadow of death.

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