Personalise HIV and Aids, Says Aids Activist

Mr Mazibuko was speaking at a Candlelight Memorial organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs to remember those who had died of AIDS-related illnesses.

The commemoration was part of the International Candlelight Day Memorial that is commemorated annually on May 21. In South Africa, the second week of May is nationally declared Candlelight Memorial Week.

The day is commemorated to remember those who had died of AIDS, to celebrate the lives of those who continue to live productively and meaningfully with the disease and to encourage those affected to continue to give love and care to their loved ones.

Mr Mazibuko is the first journalist in South Africa to declare his HIV status and has been living with the virus for 15 years now.

He said government had done a great job in the fight against HIV and AIDS but the messages were not filtering through to the people.

He slammed most media organisations for assigning journalists who "were ignorant" about HIV and AIDS to cover AIDS-related matters.

He said some newspapers had made "fun" of Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's emphasis on the importance of nutrition.

"As a journalist myself I sometimes feel ashamed of the profession that is supposed to inform and educate people but in most cases just misleads and sensationalises important issues," he said.

He advised employees of foreign affairs to get tested, saying if they were negative, they would have a renewed determination to stay that way, and if positive, they could begin to live positively and choose healthy lifestyles.

Mr Mazibuko said the most preventative method took less than 15 seconds - to wear a condom.

"At times I feel embarrassed that I was unable to spare 15 seconds of passionate moment to prevent myself from contracting the virus," he said.

Speaking at the memorial, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Susan Van der Merwe said HIV and AIDS posed a serious threat to the country's human capital.

However, she said the government had made many strides in fighting the scourge and putting legislation that supported workers.

These laws include the Bill of Rights in the Constitution, the Labour Relations Act, the Employment Equity Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.

She said there was no single solution to fighting HIV and AIDS but a multifaceted strategy was needed including involvement of each and every citizen.