The diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States are inextricably tied to the pursuit of democracy, international cooperation in development, global security and the fight against HIV/AIDS.  Mrs. Obama’s visit and her openness with the people of South Africa have reaffirmed the even more important personal relationship between the two countries. 

Watch this space for updates as this story unfolds.

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Everyone has a responsibility to support people living with HIV and AIDS. Photo: Development Works via Flickr

Currently there are more than 33 million people in the world living with HIV and AIDS, according to avert.org. This website also reports that 605,480 people died of HIV and AIDS related causes in South Africa in 2006 (although this is sometimes difficult to calculate). Many people have relatives, friends, and partners who have died of HIV and AIDS.

In the past few years a lot has been done by governments, health organisations and researchers to develop medication and preventative measures for this incurable disease. But this is also a disease that requires personal responsibility from those affected by it.

Recently it was revealed at the International Aids Conference in Vienna that researchers had developed a vaginal gel that decreases the probability of women acquiring HIV/AIDS by 39 percent and genital herpes by 51 percent if applied before and after sex, the Wall Street Journal reports.  It is estimated that the gel, in the next 10 years, could prevent half a million infections in South Africa alone.

But, as with other preventative measures like the use of condoms and treatment measures such as the use of anti-retroviral medication, responsibility lies with the individual to actually make use thereof and, especially in the case of ARVs, to keep on using it.

The use of microbicides in a vaginal gel has proven effective in the fight against HIV. Photo: Development Works via Flickr

We all have a role to play in supporting those living with HIV and AIDS, as the stigmatisation of the disease is causing real damage. Stigma keeps people from getting tested for HIV and collecting their ARVs. They fear that people will reject them if they know they are HIV positive. Stigma even keeps some people from using a condom as they are scared that their partner will think they are using it because they have HIV.

It is also really disheartening to hear that people are now stealing and smoking ARVs and marijuana as a mixture called whoonga. Some people are too afraid to collect their ARVs from clinics as they might be mugged on their way home.

Luckily there are also many individuals that are supporting people living with HIV and AIDS. Especially women often act as care givers to these people. They should truly be commended for the incredible work they are doing.

Recognition is also necessary for the South Africans that are protecting themselves when they have intimate relationships with their partners and for those who are affected, but taking treatment appropriately. We are proud of you! This shows that if South Africans work together, we can conquer!

Speakers take part in the Health Summit held in Khayelitsha. Photo: Nondumiso Ntsengentsu

Khayelitsha residents came in great numbers to the two-day Health Summit that was held at Isiphiwo Primary School in Harare on Saturday and Sunday, 20-21 November. This was their chance to voice their concerns regarding health care service delivery. 

SANGOCO Western Cape, People’s Health Movement South Africa, DKT International, City of Cape Town, and other role players in public health met with the members of the community discuss these issues.

Funders and sponsors like Capitec Bank gave messages of support at the Summit and the current status of health in Khayelitsha was discussed by Dr Virginia Azevedo of the City Health Department.

In her presentation, Dr Azevedo showed that there is a high mortality rate for children under the age of 5 with Gastro-Aids. The high number of people who are suffering from womb cancer shows the poor access to antenatal care in Khayelitsha, compared to other areas like Michell’s plain.

Professor Nomafrench Mbombo, a deputy director at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) School of Nursing said antenatal care during pregnancy is of great importance, so that problems with the health of the mother or the baby can be diagnosed at an early stage. “No woman should die unnecessary,” she said.

Health issues that are of concern to the community of Khayelitsha was discussed at the Health Summit. Photo: Nondumiso Ntsengentsu

According to Mbombo there is a high demand for community participation in issues regarding primary health care.

At the Summit, the community was given a chance to raise the issues they have regarding health in their areas. The fact that there are people who have to take treatment on an empty stomach, is one issue that is of great concern to the community.

Mama Mangconde from Makhaza initiated a project in December 2006 to give food to patients while they are waiting for the doctors. But they had to cancel the project due to financial problems. This has made the situation worse, as there is now no hope for the patients of getting food on their way back home. Mangconde said they need more help from the government and funders, so that they can give back to the needy.

Organisations like DKT International did surveys in Khayelitsha and found that males refused to go to a clinic, as they do not want to be examined by a woman. They also discovered that people refused to test for HIV when they went to the clinic regarding a sexually transmitted infection (STI’s ).There is still a stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS in these areas, which makes it hard for people to get tested. They are scared of what other people might think if they went into the testing room.

NGO’s, NPO’s, CBO’s, government and funders were asked to take hands to make Khayelitsha a better, healthier place.

Patricia de Lille was appointed as Minister of Social Development in the Western Cape. Photo: Carolyn Meads via Flickr

Premier Helen Zille has reshuffled her cabinet in the Western Cape and Patricia de Lille has been appointed as the new Minister of Social Development.  It will now be interesting to see what the impact will be on the social development sector in the province.

Polity.org reports that De Lille said: “Social development is my passion. For 24 years I’ve been fighting for the poor and the downtrodden. You won’t find me in an office, I will be out there dealing with the problems on the ground.”

This follows after the ID, the political party formed by De Lille in 2003, joined the DA on 15 August this year. According to Who’s Who of Southern Africa De Lille was the first woman to form a political party in this country.

South African History Online says De Lille has been vocal on “sensitive issues such as corruption, HIV/AIDS, women and child abuse, children in prison, xenophobia and poverty”.  She also serves on the boards of the following organisations:

• Fikilela HIV/AIDS Project
• Age-in-Action
• Diocesan College-Bishops
• Nazareth House HIV/Aids Children
• St Josephs Home for chronically sick children
• Helen Suzman Foundation
• Impumelelo Innovation Awards
• Caring Network
• Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
• HIV/Aids Babies Battling HIV/AIDS Trust

The new appointment might mean new energy in the sector. Whatever happens, the most important thing is the impact on the poorest communities. Will a new appointment make a difference to them?

Nelson Mandela's prison cell on Robben Island. Photo: Samantha Marx

On International Nelson Mandela Day, people all over the world are meant to spend 67 minutes doing something to benefit their community. Creative Consulting & Development Works has some ideas of how you can get involved in your community as well.

The man behind this day

Anti-apartheid activist and first democratic president of South Africa, Nelson Rholihlala Mandela,  is the inspiration behind this day, because even though he was jailed by the apartheid government for 27 years, he never saw his release from prison as time for revenge. After his release on 11 February 1990 he advocated peace, reconciliation and the rebuilding of the South African nation.

According to www.mandeladay.com Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. “All we are asking is that everyone gives 67 minutes of their time, whether it’s supporting your chosen charity or serving your local community.”

What can you do?

Creative Consulting & Development Works, as a research, evaluation and communications consultancy working in a development context, often deals with non-profit organisations and we would like to suggest that you volunteer to help some of them on Mandela Day or any other day of the year!

Mamelani Projects

Development Works conceptualised and facilitated a strategic planning workshop for Mamelani Projects in 2007. This Voluntary Association runs health education and youth development projects locally in various communities. Contact them on info@mamelani.org.zaor phone 021 448 2725.

Networking AIDS Community of South Africa

One of the Community Based Organisations in the NACOSA network.

NACOSA is a national civil society network of HIV and AIDS and TB role players, which includes NGOs, CBOs, FBOs and other developmental organisations, who seek to contribute to reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS.

Development Works did an evaluation for NACOSA of one of four components to the Global Fund Project, the Community Based Response to HIV/AIDS, as well as an evaluation of NACOSA’s 3-Tier Model, which comprises capacity building, networking and promoting dialogue.

You can contact NACOSA at info@nacosa.org.za or on 021 461 7348 and perhaps get involved in a Community Based Organisation close to you.

Adonis Musati Project

Recently, Development Works presented a Preferred Futuring workshop to the NGO for refugees, Adonis Musati Project. AMP provides clothing, blankets, food packs, medicine and toiletries to refugees and help them to compile and send out their CVs. They help refugees to access transport, accommodation and training. The Adonis Musati Project also has a halfway house for refugee children and single mothers.

You can help Adonis Musati by providing food or toiletries, volenteering to transport goods, assisting on week mornings in the refugee office, or making a cash donation. Contact AMP on 021 448 3348 or email Gayle at gayle@adonismusatiproject.org.

View the video below on the Preferred Futuring workshop that we conducted for the Adonis Musati Project as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.