Fight HIV/AIDS like apartheid, Nelson Mandela urges

Former president Nelson Mandela has called on the world to fight HIV/AIDS with a stronger resolve than was used to defeat apartheid.

Speaking from Robben Island on Friday, Mandela told journalists that Africa and the world had fought a noble struggle against apartheid.

However, "there is now a greater enemy and threat in HIV and AIDS. It threatens our future," he said while surrounded by the artists who would perform at the 46664 HIV/AIDS awareness concert to be held today (29 November 2003) at Cape Town's Greenpoint Stadium.

Mandela said he was heartened to see people of such talent give their time to fight the pandemic. "People like these remind us that the divisions of nationality and colour do not prevent us from caring. It is so splendid of them to give their time and talent to launch the 46664 campaign to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and to raise funds."

Mandela also praised government's recent announcement pledging R12-billion over the next four years to fight HIV/AIDS. "Government has announced policy measures that will put us in the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

Madiba greeted local and international artists in the courtyard of the B-section maximum security prison on Robben Island after they had travelled there by ferry over a choppy sea.

Rock stars including Beyonce, Bono, The Corrs, Queen, The Eurythmics, Anastacia, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Danny K and Bongo Maffin and representatives from nearly 200 media organisations gave Mandela a standing ovation as he walked into the courtyard.

Mandela started off by telling the media he believed he was a very special man. "In all my years in the public life, my favourite ladies and gentlemen have been those of the media. I have never seen so many members of the media. I am inviting you here in order to persuade you that I may be a very special gentleman.

"I am surrounded by a selection of stars and celebrities and you certainly can doubt me no longer."

"It is our great honour to introduce a gathering of very special people, local and international. But special because their fame and fortune have not removed them from caring and passion.

"Men and woman you see here are hope for the new century. These men and women remind us that people do care and that the divide of continents does not exist.

"These artists are here to take part in the 46664 concert. They have splendidly and generously given of their time in support of the campaign.

"Returning to the island symbolises the battle we are now fighting against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has killed nearly 17 million people in Africa.

"While we were incarcerated on Robben Island the world outside rallied around our release. Specifically, musicians played an important part in the campaign outside our borders to liberate our country. This time we are asking them to join forces to free our world from HIV/AIDS."

Mandela allowed his prison number, 46664, to be used to support the HIV/AIDS awareness initiative.

"The millions of people today infected with HIV/AIDS are just that, a number. They too are serving a prison sentence, for life," said Mandela. About 40 000 people are expected to pitch up for tonight's music spectacular.