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
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