Johannesburg– Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, will pay a visit to the Nkosi’s Haven village in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 13 July 2016, at 8h00, to launch the 5-Day countdown towards the AIDS2016 International Conference scheduled for Durban International Convention Centre from 18-22 July 2016. 
 
Nkosi’s Haven is named after Nkosi Johnson one of the youngest victims of the HIV epidemic who addressed the International AIDS Conference held in Durban in the year 2000 and died in 2001 from the disease. The haven was established with the objective of providing a “safe and nurturing home environment for mothers, children and orphans left destitute by HIV/AIDS”.
 
South Africa is poised to host on behalf of the African continent the 21st International AIDS Conference, under the theme, “Access Equity Rights – Now”, with over 12 000 delegates from 180 countries around the world expected to attend the Conference. The Conference is organised under the auspices of the International AIDS Society.
 
The opening of the Conference on Monday, 18 July will coincide with the International Nelson Mandela Day. In this regard, the South African Government delegation will in honour of the later former President Mandela communicate the message that “it is in our hands” to create an HIV-free generation.
 
The government however recognises that the challenge to create an HIV-Free Generation will require the commitment and support of the international community, consistent investment in research and development that could lead to new options for vaccine and a functional cure for HIV. 
 
South Africa is expected to utilise the Conference to highlight its globally acclaimed national programme and share with the international community lessons and challenges deriving from its efforts aimed at tackling the HIV and TB.
 
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

The Presidency