In this edition:

Masibambane

Working together - how the people of Adams Mission are responding to HIV/AIDS

As part of its Social Science Research Programme, HIVAN is funding a project entitled "Community Responses to HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal", focusing on the formal and informal initiatives being driven by and in which communities are participating, and the role of social capital in increasing their effectiveness. Research fieldworkers Sbongile Maimane and Zweni Sibiya were accompanied by Judith King from HIVAN's Media team on a visit to the project's first site, Adams Mission.

Full Story

Children First

Children First, a Durban-based NGO promoting and protecting the rights and wellbeing of children, invited friends, colleagues and partner organisations to mark the "World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse" on 19 November 2002. The Day was devoted to children, with guests from various communities and children's rights organisations enjoying displays, demonstrations, performances and food at the Diakonia Centre in St Andrew's Street, Durban. HIVAN participated with its own information table, distributing copies of Sondela and other materials.

Full Story

Sinikithemba Choir Tour

Giving us hope - McCord Hospital's Sinikithemba Choir tours the US

McCord Hospital's Sinikithemba Choir, which is made up of 21 singers affected by HIV/AIDS, toured the east coast of the USA in November 2002 during a three-week sponsored concert series to raise funds for the AIDS programme of the Church World Services in Africa.

Full Story

University donates to HACT (Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust)

Since May 2002, Natal University's Campus HIV/AIDS Support Unit has appealed to students and staff for donations of blankets and clothing urgently needed by the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT).

Full Story

World AIDS Day collection for iThemba Lethu

In recognition of World AIDS Day, the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Durban Campus HIV/AIDS Support Unit hosted a money-drive to raise funds for the iThemba Lethu Transition Home. The UND branch of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) joined in with an information table alongside the collection point outside the main library.

Full Story

Rights and Responsibilities - Prisoners and HIV/AIDS

A Memorial Service for prisoners affected by HIV/AIDS, hosted by the SA Prisoners' Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR), was held at the Westville Prison in October 2002. Executive Director of SAPOHR, Derrick Mdluli, described the event as an opportunity for those who care, not only to honour the AIDS-related deaths of inmates, but also to pray for those infected and affected in their communities.

Full Story

Coming Closer - Readers' Feedback

The Sondela team has received numerous messages of support and interest in response to our first two editions:

Musa Mayisela from the National Community Radio Forum wrote: "Most of our radio stations have received both editions of Sondela. Thanks so much for giving us as NCRF some publicity. This has led to some NGOs being willing to partner with us in a variety of projects."

Full Story