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Remove fear and focus on hope - Standard Bank helps Orphans of AIDS Trust
Jani Meyer. The Mercury, 4 September 2002. Republished courtesy of Independent Newspapers (Pty) Ltd
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It is time to stop looking at statistics and start acting against HIV/AIDS. This was the message of provincial Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, speaking at a function at which R500 000 was donated to the Orphans of AIDS Trust by Standard Bank.
The Minister said that the time for criticism was over and that the country had got to a point where people should stop saying what should have been done, and actively start doing things. "The issue is that the figures will keep on rising, but we must get over the shock and into action," Mkhize said.
He said that the focus should be on the wellbeing of people and that fear of AIDS was not a deterrent. He used the example of the apartheid era police who were used to create fear in people, but as the struggle progressed people lost their fear and youngsters started acting recklessly, with many losing their lives. "We must remove fear and focus on hope," Mkhize said.
At the function (held on 3rd September 2002), Standard Bank pledged its support to the fight against AIDS with its donation to help alleviate the plight of KwaZulu-Natal's estimated 150 000 AIDS orphans. In addition to the donation, which will be distributed over three years, the bank has undertaken to use its "Joy of Jazz" concerts to raise funds for the Trust. For every ticket sold for the next four jazz festivals, one rand will be donated to the project.
Ms Andrea Parkerson, Standard Bank Foundation Manager, said the bank recognised its obligation to contribute to the broader socio-economic goals of education, health and general social upliftment. Deputy Chief Executive for the Standard Bank Group, Mr Myles Ruck, said that the donation was the first of its kind made by the bank and it was hoped that similar initiatives would follow in other parts of the country.
Mkhize further said that people had to change their approach: "There is a future - take charge of your own life." He added that it was important that orphans, whether through AIDS or political unrest, should grow up with a sense of identity.
Anyone who wishes to assist can make a donation to:
Orphans of AIDS Trust
Standard Bank (Greyville)
Branch No: 0410 2600
Account Number: 0507 66856
NPO Number: 019641 |
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