December 2007

World AIDS Day gala concert a beacon of hope

“We are all living with HIV. It is everyone’s problem.” This wake-up call from well-known entertainer Soli Philander set the tone for Saturday night’s third annual World AIDS Day gala concert in the Artscape Opera House. Philander acted as compere, and true to form brought a laugh to the audience right through the evening. He also used the opportunity to remind people on a serious note of the global relevance of HIV and AIDS.

The concert was hosted by Stellenbosch University’s Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Government. It celebrated the good work done in the field of HIV and AIDS and showcased a variety of talented artists who care about making a difference to the scourge of the pandemic. Such a partnership ties in well with the 2007 theme for World AIDS Day, namely leadership, which highlights the need for innovation and perseverance in the face of the challenges HIV and AIDS pose.

In the light of the 16 days of activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool said that overcoming patriarchy is the key to the way forward in the battle against HIV and AIDS: “The liberation and assertion of the equalisation of women is essential for us to make the progress we should be making.” He made an appeal to all to meet the challenges of HIV and AIDS with a sense of humanity and compassion.

MrElhadj Amadou Sy, UNAIDS Director of Partnerships and External Relations, also referred to the importance of humanity: “Numbers and figures do not really say anything about the pandemic. They don’t tell the stories of people, of loss and pain, of love and compassion.” He urged everyone to let HIV and AIDS bring out the best in them, so that they can bring hope to the people, instead of discriminating, stigmatising and ultimately killing them.

Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, emphasised the success reached by overcoming injustices of the past and the responsibility we now have to continue reconciliation and consequently give hope to people for the future, especially vulnerable people in the context of HIV and AIDS. “The next generation and the challenges they face cannot wait for us to deal with each other first,” he said.

The involvement of these different spheres of society plays an important part in combating HIV and AIDS. As Prof Jan du Toit, Director of the Africa Centre, said: “HIV and AIDS require a battle on all fronts. A concert like tonight’s is a wonderful example of how government, education and the community can come together to show their support and unite against HIV and AIDS.”

Africa Institute for HIV/AIDS Management, was performer, director and producer. His impressive repertoire and achievements were confirmed with a captivating and powerful performance.

Perry was joined on stage by Dance for All Youth Company, a community-based project that gives children from disadvantaged regions the opportunity to express themselves through the medium of dance, and the music group Kunjalo. Comedian Dave Levinsohn, the singers Verity and Rouchelle Liedemann and the Mike Campbell Orchestra also dazzled the audience with their talent.

Vicky Davis, best known as Tessa in the popular TV show 7de Laan, made an appearance to talk about the mini-musical Lucky the Hero!, an educational theatre piece she wrote for the drama group of the Africa Institute.

All the artists involved with the concert are passionate about making a grassroots difference and serving the community with their talent. “I believe I can encourage people spiritually with my songs and uplift them,” said Liedemann.

Philip Boyd, founder of Dance for All, is excited about the exposure the gala concert offers the talented dancers, as well as what they can give back to the people. “With issues like HIV and AIDS that hit home so sorely, we can absolutely make a difference by performing and showing our support,” he said.

The members of Kunjalo see their community involvement as a priority. “We are not only musically orientated, but issues like HIV and AIDS that affect so many people are very important to us,” said Kunjalo’s administrator and one of the singers, Rosebud Busisiwe Mgada. Another member, Theresa Sellidon, is just as positive about taking action. “Every event or initiative about HIV and AIDS makes a difference, and it is by this step by step approach that we will be able to overcome the pandemic. That’s why it’s an honour to be involved with this concert,” she said.

An awards ceremony to honour remarkable people taking the bull by the horns added to the inspirational value of the event. The Africa Centre made an award to the Education Department of Mpumalanga for their ongoing investment in their educators. For the past four years they have sent 330 students to enrol in the Africa Centre’s Postgraduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management. They also encourage their educators to further their studies in other disciplines. Ms Ntombi Mxenge and Mr Sipho Sukati received the award on behalf of the department.

The Western Cape Department of Health made an award to the Swellendam sub-district for their exceptional voluntary counselling and testing services. Their success recipe is multi-faceted and includes lay counsellors working outside the health facilities and workplace blitzes and campaigns, targeting specific communities. Mr James Kruger received the award on behalf of the Swellendam sub-district.

It is events like these that stand out as a beacon of light in a country where many people see the battle against HIV and AIDS as hopeless. The established and talented artists who take the time and effort to make a difference and the people who give everything to change the situation around HIV and AIDS for the better, show that it is never too late to make a positive turnaround and to restore a nation’s dignity, step by step.