On the meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the 21st International Aids Conference (Aids 2016)
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) is satisfied that South Africa and the global community can expect a productive, safe and exciting conference in Durban from July 18 to 22 2016.
The committee met in Durban today, Thursday July 7 2016, to assess South Africa’s state of readiness to host the International AIDS Conference which was previously staged in the same host city in the year 2000.
Appointed by President Jacob Zuma, the committee is chaired by Mr Jeff Radebe, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and comprises a broad range of Ministers, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and the Mayor of the host city, eThekwini.
President Jacob Zuma has in recent years consistently appointed Inter-Ministerial Committees to manage large-scale events hosted by South Africa. Such committees ensure the best possible coordination among government and between government and other stakeholders.
Today’s meeting confirmed that the opening ceremony of AIDS 2016 on the evening of Monday 18 July 2016 will feature, among other elements:
- The official opening address by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa;
- A presentation on Youth and the HIV Response by Kweku Mandela and the AIDS 2016 Youth Ambassadors;
- An address and presentation of the Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Awards by Charlize Theron, of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project;
- A welcome by AIDS 2016 International Chair Professor Chris Beyrer (United States) and Local Co-chair Dr Olive Shisana of South Africa;
- A video address by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation;
- Performances by Freshly Ground and Strong Girls;
- Community Statements by Ms Nkhensani Mavasa of Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and Ms Steve Letsike of the South African National Aids Council;
- Welcomes by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu and Mr Michel Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS, and
- A Nelson Mandela Day Tribute and Recognition.
IMC Chairperson Minister Jeff Radebe said the line-up for the opening ceremony reinforced the underlying character of the Conference as embracing and involving all sectors of society in South Africa and around the world that are waging the fight against HIV, AIDS and TB.
Minister Radebe said: “This conference brings together political leadership, civil society leadership, the scientific community, the development and donor sector and ordinary people who are committed to achieving an HIV-free generation.
“The opening ceremony sets the tone for a conference that will reignite advocacy in our own country and around the world and will help us make new strides to secure – in line with the conference theme – access, equity and rights for all people in our pursuit of prevention, treatment and the elimination of discrimination.”
The IMC also received updates on logistics around the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, where AIDS 2016 will be held, as well as the adjoining Global Village that will provide free public access to a range of conference events.
The IMC gave the assurance that this event, where close to 18 000 delegates are expected in the glare of global media coverage, will be safe and efficient.
Security agencies have developed detailed plans for high-visibility deployment of police and other personnel who will ensure the safety of delegates and minimal disruption of traffic and other services and amenities around the host city.
Plans are also in place to facilitate secure passage of conference delegates through South Africa’s major airports and land borders.
The meeting welcomed the announcement this week by Cabinet that Deputy President Ramaphosa will on Wednesday 13 July 2016 lead the marking of the five-day countdown to AIDS 2016.
Citizens are invited during the next few days and on the day of the countdown to wear black, white and red clothing in the official colours of the conference and to engage with one another via #5days to #AIDS2016. Organisations are invited to display HIV-related educational information and provide services at various strategic points of their choosing around the country.
The IMC concluded its visit to Durban with participation in a youth dialogue on HIV and AIDS at the Hilton Hotel where over 100 youth were gathered to exchange ideas with the IMC on how to realise the goal set out in the National Development Plan of a long and healthy life for all South Africans. The NDP also states that by 2030 South Africans should commit to prevent and control epidemic burdens through deterring and treating HIV/AIDS.
The dialogue was a direct engagement with youth who are future leaders and captains of industry in the country. The dialogue participants also deliberated on opportunities that government has availed for the youth.
“South Africa is indeed well prepared to host this critical global conference which must leave a meaningful legacy to our own country and to the world,” Minister Radebe concluded.
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