World Aids Day 2008

World Aids Day has come of age. It is 21 years since this day was first dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.

The Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University marked its 4th sold out annual World Aids Day with a Gala Concert at the Artscape theatre in Cape Town last night (1 December). It was brilliantly directed and produced by the Director of Educational Theatre and Creative Arts at the Centre, Prof Jimmie Earl Perry.

The main premise for the concert was - and is - to maintain our senses in the highest state of awareness on the presence of HIV/AIDS. In doing this the Centre - the largest academic institution for HIV/AIDS management training in the world - continues to exhibit strong leadership in its role in education, research and community mobilization in South Africa and also globally.

The theme of the evening - Celebrating Heroes - revolved around all individuals who have contributed to the fight against AIDS. And the Centre's honouring of two heroines and a hero proved to be a major highlight of the evening.

During the proceedings, Centre Director Prof Jan Du Toit, announced a special award to Nombeko Mpongo (an HIV officer working for the City of Cape Town) - for community involvement and promoting HIV/AIDS related education countrywide. Says Nombeko: "I am humbled and overwhelmed by this award and recognition. This inspire me to work even harder in the fight against this pandemic".

Two more awards were given to Christopher McCreanor (a trainer and development practitioner at Fusion Outsourcing) - for best Postgraduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management (PDM) student; and Estelle Heideman, for rural research achievements. Estelle is HIV/AIDS Coordinator at Lengau Agri Development Centre (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State.)

A surprising highlight of the evening was the appearance of the New Apostolic Church Cape Symphonic Orchestra and Choir, a must see if you haven't experienced their performance. They were conducted by Ms Alexis Petro, one of few female conductors in South Africa. Vocalists at this premier event included Friedel Mitas, Lynton Joseph, Manilo Davids, Cape Opera divas Golda Schultz and Janelle Visagie. A special moment was their rousing and humourous rendition of an African American spiritual Scandalize my Name and Ms. Visagies' jazzy interpretation of Gershwins classic Summertime.

Divo Matthew Overmeyer's tenor voice rang through the theatre with Verdi's Brindisi and the inspiring Here's to the Heroes, a duet with Jimmie Earl Perry. Sharing their support in HIV/AIDS awareness through music and song were singers Rouchelle Liedeman, Prof Jimmie Earl Perry. In a surprise moment of the evening, a trio of stunning ladies, Ms Rosebud Mgada, Wendy Alexander and Morraine Francke sang the evergreen Carole King classic You've Got a Friend.

Toni Zimmerman, a personality full of hope and life, shared with the audience a motivating story of how she became infected with HIV and continues to inspire people all around the globe of her sustained joy of life. Soli Philander and Dave Levinsohn both provided linguistic wit and a lighter side to the evening. Though they both expressed their contributions to the community relating to HIV/AIDS.

The show ended with the full cast performing Quincy Jones' pop-gospel interpretation of Handel's Hallelujah chorus from the Messiah.

Exceptional about the evenings's musical programme was the diversity of performers and the music selected by Prof Perry. A collection of classical material such as Pie Jesu, Intermezzo, O Fortuna which opened the concert grandly, mixed with secular tunes sung by the New Apostolic 60 voice strong choir with selected soloists who in their own right were matched well with the songs selected.

Extra ordinary performances for an extra ordinary cause, as quoted by Rev. Desmond Lambrechts of the Anglican Aids and Healthcare Trust:" I feel HIV/AIDS is and extra ordinary pandemic and we need extra ordinary measures. We need to collectively do something. I like to quote an old African Proverb: 'If you want to travel fast, you travel alone. If you want to travel far, you travel with others"

The evening was not without its celebrities and personalities lending weight and credence to the event. Helen Zille, leader of the Opposition and Mayor of Cape Town was present, so too Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Russel Botman; Baron & Baroness Kraijenhoff of the Netherlands, honorary chairman of the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI); and Dr. Harold Robles, the Director of MKI. Prof. Jimmie Earl Perry is an International Goodwill Ambassador and Prof. Jan Du Toit is on the Advisory Board of MKI. Says Helen Zille: "I think this evening is inspirational with an amazing collection of talented Cape Town people. That is why Cape Town is the best city in the world".