UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

MEDIA RELEASE

NKOSI JOHNSON PASSES AWAY

STATEMENT ISSUED BY BANTU HOLOMISA, MP
UDM PRESIDENT

The UDM joins the rest of South Africa in mourning the death of Nkosi Johnson. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Nkosi had shown courage and valour in the face of huge challenges. He represented, like no other before him, the cause of people living with AIDS. He must be credited with putting a human face to AIDS, and in the process he dismantled all the stereotypes about AIDS and those who live with it.

It is bitterly ironic that he, who challenged ignorance and stigma in the world of adults, who was deprived of so many of the basic joys of childhood, should pass away on Children's Day. We must never forget the millions of children who face this same fate, and the millions more who will be orphaned by the pandemic.

All of South Africa, and the world, must unite to overcome the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We must rise above our petty differences. When at last we have conquered the pandemic, it will be in no small part due to the bravery of Nkosi Johnson.

Enquiries:
Bantu Holomisa, MP
UDM President

Cape Town
1 June 2001