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Today marks an important day in South Africa efforts to curb the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This coincides with the welcome announcement made this week by US Vice President Al Gore when he made an appeal to the United Nations to improve efforts to aid Africa in its fight against the epidemic.

Efforts like these strengthen our ability to address the epidemic but cannot replace the initiatives the countries themselves need to drive in response to this challenge. HIV/AIDS knows no social or economic barriers, no political ideology, and recognises no skin colour. It continues to plant seeds of destruction in communities, nations and countries throughout the world. Each nation must face the challenge and South Africans need to find an effective and sustainable response. The establishment of a body like the National Aids Council is one of the strategies to bring together the collective wisdom of South Africans to reduce the impact of the epidemic.

The epidemic carries, within it, forces of destruction but also brings people together. It is a mirror surface, on which our moral ambiguities, socio-economic deprivation, gender imbalances as well as the abuses of power, are reflected.

There is a need to create dialogue, in order to break the silence. There is a need for moral principles to guide our response. We need to create an environment of support, compassion and empathy. We must move away from the language of crisis and catastrophe that has permeated the discussions on HIV/AIDS. Instead we must return to being a caring society rather than a scared society.

As a society we need to create an ethic of interdependence, concern and full participation with rights, responsibilities and justice. There must be interdependence between men and women, between the infected and those affected, between governments and communities and between children and parents. There must be a social contract between government and communities that clearly outlines the responsibilities towards each other. Individuals, communities, national government and international organisations, each have a key role to play in addressing this problem. The challenge is how each fits into the puzzle to produce the greatest impact.

The most important point to make is that African countries must find an African solution to the epidemic. This Council brings together representatives from all sectors of our society, and their wisdom and expertise to address an issue of mutual concern.

Each of the sectors within the National AIDS Council has its particular contribution to make. The women's sector will play an important role in addressing issues relating to the abuse of women and children. The role of traditional leaders in tackling cultural practices that fuel the epidemic is paramount. We cannot underestimate the importance of traditional healers as the first port of call. The important and necessary contribution of business in addressing the economic impact of the epidemic on the economic engine of the country is vital to the success of interventions. The ability of the religious sectors to use their networks and skills to care and support are an important resource. Youth as a force for change, and the most vulnerable, have to be involved in the planning and the interventions. People living with AIDS are the most powerful advocates and living examples of the hope that society will conquer against the scourge of the virus. They bring sensitivity to our approaches, as their inputs are invaluable in designing interventions that will have maximum impact.

Non-governmental organisations constitute pillars of strength that are in touch with communities at grassroot level. Our celebrities are ambassadors of change who embody the togetherness, the laughter and the healing that must be a part of the response to the epidemic. The participation of the legal sector ensures the protection of human rights. And, finally, government as the custodian of the health of the nation has to take full responsibility to ensure the survival of the citizens of this country and of Africa as a continent.

It is no longer important to know where the disease comes from, but it is important to focus on where it is going. The challenge is to avoid complacency, overcome denial and create a network of assistance built on dialogue, sincerity, transparency, trust, respect and responsibility. South Africans have fought and won many battles before. Your presence here is testimony to the fact that once again we are rising to the challenge posed by the epidemic. I am confident of our ability to succeed, and wish all of you the best in your work over the next two years.

Thank you

Issued by the Office of the Presidency, 14 January 2000