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Members of the Executive Council,
Executive Mayor of Frances Baard District Municipality,
Councillors other leaders,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,

The world faces a huge crisis today! The scourge of HIV/AIDS is eating away the very fabric that binds us together as humanity.

According to UN AIDS, world-wide, and in 2000 alone, AIDS claimed 3 million people. That is over 8 000 people every day. But the story does not end there: just under 15 000 new cases of HIV infections occur every single day.

95% of all AIDS cases occur in the world's poorest countries. In several southern African countries, at least one in five adults is HIV positive. In 2000, the HIV prevalence rate among pregnant women in South Africa rose to its highest level ever: 24.5% bringing to 4.7 million the estimated total number of South Africans living with the virus.

That's a terrifying thought. And it's the reality that millions of people in developing countries are living with HIV and AIDS as you read this: communities devastated, teachers and doctors dying every day, people's futures shattered, because they can't afford the drug treatments that are helping people living with HIV and AIDS in richer countries of the west.

The above statistics also include figures from this province and should make us think. Some months ago we came together to launch the Provincial Aids Council of the Northern Cape Province.

This Council, which is made up of leading figures and personalities, institutions and organisations in the province, serves as the torch in our endeavours to battle the scourge of HIV/AIDS.

Though there are some teething problems within the structure, it is my firm believe that we will in no time be able to overcome these and focus on the task at hand.

The launch of the Provincial AIDS Council has given further impetus to all levels of government in the province to lead the struggle against HIV/AIDS and form partnerships with broader society.

On 1 December 2001 we will celebrate World AIDS Day. This year international message is "I CARE ... DO YOU?" And has a particular focus on youth - YOUTH AND AIDS IN THE 21st CENTURY!

The slogan "I CARE ... DO YOU?" Is intended, according to the United Nations AIDS Campaign, to create a sustained focus on the role of men in the AIDS epidemic.

As a country and people, we need to transcend the differences and other artificial boundaries in order to make a difference.

The launching of the AIDS Council for the district municipality of what we call Greater Kimberley - the Frances Baard District Council - is yet another illustration of our commitment to battle AIDS with all at our disposal.

But, some will pose the question - is it not a waste of resources to set up multiple structures whereas there exists a provincial structure? This indeed is a critical question and also touches the heart of the battle against AIDS.

AIDS and women

The most vulnerable sex is women and the majority of women are in the rural areas

Young women whose development occurs faster then their male counterparts are more susceptible to STDs and other sexually transmitted diseases.

In my view there are three critical things we must do leading up to World AIDS Day and building up on all other events and occasions we have been engaged in:

* We must find out more about HIV/AIDS

This becomes imperative in the context of the many heated debates that occur and the likelihood is ordinary people will be lost in the politicking and cheap political point scoring

* Donate time and resources

Through this endeavour we will be able to mobilise the efforts of the majority of people behind the campaign to eradicate HIV/AIDS. Because the resources of government are limited and the obvious good of pooling resources will enable us to be more directed and focused.

* Organise an event

It is critical we organise events and information sessions for others at our places of work, worship and throughout of our lives to highlight the plight of HIV/AIDS and those living with HIV/AIDS.

You can do even more by giving your time. Just a couple of hours a week are enough time to achieve a huge amount. Like offering to help out at a HIV/AIDS organisation in your area, organising a ribbon-folding event with your friends or colleagues, or getting information to people who need it: all these things will change something for somebody. And you'll be making a difference.

Because of your support for World AIDS Day, we can win the battles in the war against HIV and AIDS. Like promoting safer sex, changing attitudes, raising awareness and the search for a vaccine. Because none of this can be left to chance.

Whatever you do for World AIDS Day, someone's life will be different because of it. You can stop the spread of HIV, you can fight discrimination, and you can help to make people sit up, take notice, and do something about finding a cure.

The complexities brought about through the direct and indirect results and consequences of AIDS have a bearing on government and society as a whole. Therefore, the partnerships we seek to develop in the battle against HIV/AIDS are important and should be nurtured very carefully.

In both the rural and urban areas of the province there exists a real threat if we don't galvanise the efforts of all our people to fight this scourge. From doing very simple and insignificant things around AIDS and HIV, to backing the forward movement of our progressive movement in the quest for better life for all, is the clarion call today.

There are enormous challenges and complexities in this regard: poverty, unemployment, disease and the quality of life of our people must be addressed as a matter of urgency and cannot be delayed one minute.

Do what is necessary to deal with HIV/AIDS:

* Galvanise all sectors, organisations and institutions.
* Strengthen the role of the state in service provision in those areas where poverty, disease and unemployment are prevalent.
* Strengthen co-ordinated efforts with women and their organisations regarding their special needs with the battle against HIV/AIDS.
* Spread information and knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

As we approach World AIDS Day 2001, the launch of this council will strengthen the resolve of our people and optimise the partnerships against AIDS.

Issued by Office of Premier, Northern Cape

23 October 2001