30 November 1999
As we approach the end of the 20th century, South Africa faces an HIV/AIDs pandemic that constitutes a frontal assault on the social fabric and economic well being of our society. Research indicates that South Africa and the Southern African region have the dubious distinction of leading the world in present and potential rates of HIV/AIDs infection. Besides the resultant human tragedy, the associated social and economic costs, which are being borne predominately by working and poor people, threatens to undermine all other developmental efforts. This is a crisis situation that calls for extraordinary measures.
The marking of World AIDs Day (1st December), provides all South Africans with the opportunity to commit themselves to increased awareness of, and acting against, the scourge of HIV/AIDs. In this regard, the South African Communist Party re-commits itself to campaigning and fighting for mass HIV/AIDs education, affordable, accessible and equitable treatment for sufferers and the provision of public and private resources to support the battle against HIV/AIDs.
It is well known that it is the poor who are most vulnerable to this disease. This poverty is inextricably linked to capitalism and the apartheid legacy. A campaign to combat HIV/AIDs should simultaneously be a struggle against capitalism and the eradication of the apartheid legacy.
We call upon all our members as well as the workers and poor who make up the majority of South Africa’s population to join the front ranks of this crucial battle. We must all participate actively in World AIDs Day events and join government and HIV/AIDs advocacy/activist organisations in an ongoing struggle to combat HIV/AIDs.
Issued by the SACP Department of Information & Publicity
E-Mail: sacp1@wn.apc.org
South African Communist Party Head Office
COSATU House No. 1 Leyds Street
7th Floor Braamfontein 2001
Republic of South Africa
(Tel: 27 11 339-3621/2)
(Fax: 27 11 339-4244)