By Tarryn Le Chat
The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) launched a Global Day of Action at the Saint George’s Cathedral in Cape Town today.
Amandla! Viva TAC viva! These were the cries of supporters and fellow members of the TAC, as various issues were spoken about concerning prevention and protection of people living with HIV/aids in South Africa.
Reverend Mash, of the Anglican Church, opened the proceedings with prayer. TAC General-Secretary, Sipho Mthathi, spoke about the failure of Government, Parliament and the sacking of Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
“Across the world people living with HIV/aids supports the South African government and progressive change, but we as the TAC feel there is no respect for Human Rights. We are a democratic country, yet we condemn the failure by government on aids”, said Mthathi.
As Sipho continued, supporters rose up and began singing as one in the Cathedral.
Government and Correctional Services have failed to fulfil its constitutional duty to prisoners who live with HIV/aids. They have to wait long periods of time before receiving any treatment, exclaims Mthathi.
The Treatment Action Campaign feels government has lied and distorted the truth with the aids epidemic in South Africa.
Mthathi further expresses her disgust, “What has become of the Government and Parliament we elected? WE want an end to the Health Ministers’ reign and a plan to combat the aids epidemic”.
The TAC wants their demands met otherwise protests will continue across the country and members and supporters will not be intimidated by government.
In a message of support, Mash had this to say, “We want anti-retroviral medication for all and prevention of violence. There is no difference between an HIV positive and HIV negative people. It is the right of every person to receive treatment. We want prevention of new infection and protection for women and children”.
Mama Dalina of the New Women’s Movement called for Minister Tshabalala-Msimang to apologise, for misleading people at the International Conference held in Canada, saying that a scientific cure for HIV is lemon, garlic and beetroot.
The TAC stands united in saying, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
“We must work together and support the TAC”, said Dalina
Picture: www.atlanticphilanthropies.org
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2 comments:
The way government is handling this matter reminds one of the bad old days of apartheid.
I was expecting more from the new gov.
All governments are the same. Most will want to supress the voice of the masses.
I will not be suprised if they try and block Bush Radio because of some of the political programmes they play.
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