'It is incumbent upon leaders to denounce practices, laws and policies that fuel new infections and always address these issues head-on.'
Spending much of his retirement taking up good causes and contributing to community projects, former president Kgalema Motlanthe, who was yesterday inaugurated as chair of the Champions for an Aids-Free Generation – an advocacy body which opened an office in South Africa – has joined eminent African leaders in the fight against the scourge.
The Champions is a group of former presidents and eminent individuals, championing an Aids-free Africa.
Previously led by Festus Mogae of Botswana with headquarters in Botswana, the Champions secretariat has a new home at the Aspen Pharmacare campus in Woodmead, Johannesburg.
The Champions’ focus includes:
- Increased commitment to address political, social and legal barriers, impeding Africa’s swift response to the disease; and
- Sustaining response through increased commitment to domestic investments for HIV and access to medicines.
Addressing Motlanthe’s inauguration as the Champions chair, Justice Edwin Cameron said: “A stronger, more visionary and outspoken leadership must come from the continent, which is mostly affected by this epidemic.”
Motlanthe said: “It is incumbent upon leaders to denounce practices, laws and policies that fuel new infections and always address these issues head-on.”
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