5 October 2004
Government is concerned about the disturbing remarks made by the former President FW de Klerk about South Africa's programme on HIV and AIDS. De Klerk is quoted as saying the ANC government lost years in the fight against AIDS by not implementing a plan drawn up by the apartheid health minister on the issue.
HIV and AIDS has been a global challenge since it was discovered in the mid-1980's. De Klerk and the apartheid government failed to take meaningful action to respond to this challenge. The ANC and other organisations outside of government had to lead many efforts in responding to the rapid spread of HIV infection in the early 1990's with former President Mandela launching the main programme in 1992.
The limited interventions made by De Klerk's government were not only ineffective but they contributed to perpetrating negative stereotypes and stigma around HIV and AIDS. Apartheid's campaigns portrayed HIV and AIDS as a deadly condition associated with improper or unfaithful sexual behaviour. It was a black man's disease with images of people being buried in black coffins because they had AIDS.
It was only after 1994 that tangible efforts were made by government to curb the spread of HIV infection; provide treatment, care and support for those infected and affected; and address the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.
De Klerk's administration collapsed because it never catered for the needs of many South Africans. His government subjected the majority of South Africans to conditions of poverty that fuel the spread of infectious diseases and many other social challenges.
In improving the lives of all South Africans, the ANC government has had to deal with the legacy of underdevelopment and inequality left by De Klerk and his predecessors. He cannot today turn around and accuse the current government of failing to address the legacy of his era.
Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
Minister of Health
Contact Sibani Mngadi 0827720161