The struggle against HIV/AIDS in South Africa

The new South Africa or The Rainbow Nation, so aptly named by Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela in 1994, has faced many challenges right from the beginning.

The spreading of HIV and AIDS belong to the greatest challenges and Danish People’s Aid has taken on the battle in cooperation with two local partners.

The struggle against apartheid
‘The Rainbow Nation’ did away with more than a century’s apartheid regime, and a new constitution was introduced with a unique electoral system. The system differs because the English electoral system was not use, but rather the Scandinavian, which has a built-in minority protection.

Peace and reconciliation were to take over in a country that was characterised by evil performed by superior rulers considering themselves the Chosen People.

Disappointments
It soon became clear that the future of South Africa was not bright and easy, and as the 00’s began, it became apparent that all the great expectations of the Black majority would not be met.

Even though it was physically abolished, apartheid thrives as a psychological factor and a financial reality.

The white middle classes still feel nostalgia towards early last century’s Europe, and the black middle and lower classes remain in their urban areas called townships.

HIV and AIDS flourishes
Besides poverty and high unemployment, the continued spreading of HIV and AIDS is the most predominant financial and social problem in South Africa.

In South Africa, thousands of children live in so-called “Child Headed Families”. These children are orphans, and the oldest sibling has taken over the role as the head of the family. In addition to that, several hundred thousand children aged 0 to 14 are HIV-infected or have AIDS.

In South Africa, it is difficult to stop the upward trend in HIV-infected people and the many social problems this entails.

Danish People’s Aid assists two partners in South Africa
The involvement of Danish People’s Aid in South Africa started with a national collection of money in 2005. This collection provided money for a project in favour of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

This was the beginning of a partnership with the Thabang Society, which Danish People’s Aid supports by strengthening and developing the organisation. Together we create a training and development centre, focusing on the creation of new jobs for the young unemployed in the townships.

Danish People’s Aid also cooperates with the South African Samaritan Organisation (SASO), which runs orphanages and youth centres for orphans.