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Happy Revolutionary Holidays!
Comrades!
In a short time, our lives were changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, but we rose to the
occasion, and we have filled in the gaps left by governments to provide essential services , we
have spread information about the virus, and we have protected key and vulnerable populations.
As a country we have a proven track record of breaking down barriers to treatment; supporting
community advocacy; sharpening accountability; identifying social, legal and gender barriers to
care and guiding research and development.
We continue to raise awareness about the harmful infectious diseases such as Covid-19, TB, HIV
and AIDS, measles and STI’s, and their social and economic consequences, and we work to speed
up efforts to end these epidemics at the National level, and globally.
It has been seen that the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed the progress made in the fight to end
HIV and AIDS and TB, as a result deaths have increased in the past two to three years. It cannot
be business as usual. Too many people are dying …. That is enough…. We can control HIV and AIDS,
TB and STI’s, and we can end them if we work together.
This ending year, 2022, was a period of action once again, while we reflected on the progress
made so far in the fight against these epidemics.
As South Africa, we still have a long way to go. Hate speech, violence and murders targeting key
and vulnerable populations, continued to cause grave concern, especially on Sex workers,
LGBTQI+, and trans-gender people.
Key and vulnerable populations are often in a very difficult situation – they are not accepted for
who they are, neither by their families, their community or government. The taboo that surrounds
them is still massive. Discrimination and even aggression are a stone throw away.
Stigma and discrimination continue to torment People Living with HIV and People Living with
Disabilities, which results in them disengaging in healthcare access.
Thirty years ago, the AIDS Consortium Charter for Human Rights was officially launched on World
AIDS Day 1992, at a time that the epidemic was completely different.
This Charter was supported by major political parties and its leaders. The Charter became the
roadmap to the development of the world’s most progressive legislation on employment and
access to medicine.
Numerous developments and progress were made in the country since then which necessitate it
to be reviewed and updated.
I wish you Happy Revolutionary Holidays! Come 2023, Let us be ready to change to status quo for
the betterment of our communities in all their diversities!
Yours in revolution
Mmapaseka Steve Letsike
SANAC CSF Chairperson