July 31, 2008

Solomuzi Mabuza [Volunteer from the South Africa YMCA and representing the Africa Alliance of YMCAs at AIDS 2008]

Solomuzi Mabuza

My Journey Through AIDS 2008: Solumuzi Mabuza’s Daily Diary for the 17th International AIDS Conference

Thursday, 31st July 2008

Most people living with HIV/AIDS have never had the opportunity to meet an HIV+ religious leader.  On the first day of the Ecumenical Pre-Conference however, many people of faith listened to religious leaders speaking openly about their experiences with the institutional church.  HIV/AIDS is not exclusive to promiscuous people. If it can strike religious leaders then we must examine our attitude and theological response to those infected and affected by this devastating virus.

Friday, 1st August 2008

Positioning faith-based organisations is a very necessary strategy in the 21st century. On day two of the Pre-Conference, Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, World YWCA General Secretary moderated a plenary session on Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking. In her opening remarks she highlighted the plight of young girls today, as well as the approach and action taken by the YWCA Movement.  As a delegate and representative of the Africa Alliance, I saw the importance of positioning our Movement, and identifying core issues. 

Saturday, 2nd August 2008 

On the last day of the Pre-Conference, the World Alliance of YMCAs facilitated a workshop on Gender-Based Violence and the Role of Men in HIV Prevention. Two young men from South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago used contextual bible study and popular youth culture to engage workshop participants. One commented, “It is the first time in this conference that anyone has spoken about sex, which is the key challenge in fighting HIV”, and expressed gratitude to the facilitators. I was honoured and humbled to be part of this workshop.

Sunday, 3rd August 2008 

The International AIDS Conference was opened by several well-known speakers including: UNAIDS Executive Director Dr Peter Piot, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and a 13 year old from Honduras living with HIV. They reminded delegates of how much remained to be done, and emphasised the complexities of this viral infection. Dr. Piot captured the moment very well when he said, “HIV is a viral infection. It is not a moral infection. Not less a political infection.” He reminded us all that that HIV really is a human rights issue.       

Our Movement will be known and revered when we clearly articulate our unique role with young people in the context of HIV and Gender-Based Violence.

Solomuzi Mabuza [Volunteer from the South Africa YMCA and representing the Africa Alliance of YMCAs at AIDS 2008]