Activism

TAC mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela

6 December 2013 – In exactly one week it will be 11 years since Madiba pulled a white t-shirt with the iconic words “HIV Positive” in purple over his head.

In that moment he became one of us and made a powerful statement against stigma, at the same time sending a message to the then denialist government that People living with HIV are part of this country and should be given lifesaving treatment.

Madiba was at the time visiting the Treatment Action Campaign and Médecins Sans Frontières in Khayelitsha.

TAC will hold this image of our smiling, waving Madiba close to our hearts during this sad time. Thank you Madiba for what you did for the HIV movement, for TAC and People living with HIV in particular.

Today we also remember the words of Nelson Mandela when he spoke at the closing ceremony of the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok in 2004: “We share a common humanity with our brothers and sisters suffering in this epidemic. Ask yourself what you can do as global citizens against the fight against HIV and AIDS. We must never forget our own responsibilities. “

Rest in Peace Tata, today the TAC will again wear our t-shirts with pride, but also with a heavy heart.

Lala Ngxolo Tata Madiba.

For interviews please contact:

Anele Yawa, TAC National Chairperson: 0735558849

Lieve Vanleeuw or Lotti Rutter 021-422-1700 / 081 818 8493