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Women's League lights way for AIDS sufferers
Thuli Nhlapo The Star, May 19 2002. Reprinted courtesy Independent Newspapers (Pty) Ltd.
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In some African cultures, when someone passes away, relatives light a candle, either in the deceased's room or near a coffin.
That practice, elders say, is in memory of the one they loved, and to light their way to their ancestors.
In a similar manner, the ANC Women's League, led by its president Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, on Sunday honoured and remembered those who have succumbed to and those who live with the HIV/AIDS virus.
Maureen Malumise, a health subcommittee member who took part in the Share Your Vision candlelight ceremony, said it represented the dreams of ordinary people.
"It may be the vision of a community that no longer fears to face the challenge of this epidemic, or a community in which grandmothers no longer have to worry about the future of their grandchildren," she said. The theme encouraged individuals to share their personal visions with others so that they could all work together, she added.
As in funeral services, women started humming a religious song when the Randburg Inn's Falcon room became brighter from all the candles.
While a Xhosa song went on about the forgiveness of sins, Malumise said each candle was lit as a symbol against darkness, fear and anger, and in honour of faith, hope, warmth, life and a vision for a South Africa free of HIV/AIDS .
"Let your light shine wherever you go and share your vision for a better tomorrow," Malumise asked. |
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