16 May 2006
You are invited to join the Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, at the
National Candlelight Memorial, Bloemfontein, Sunday, 21 May 2006
Candlelight Memorial Day will be observed globally on 21 May for the 23rd
time in honour of people who have passed away due to AIDS.
This year's theme, "Lighting the path to a brighter future" focuses on
bringing about emotional relief to families and friends of those who have
passed away due to AIDS. It also aims to spread hope and encouragement to
prevent new HIV infections and to motivate people living with HIV and AIDS to
live positively.
Living with HIV and AIDS is difficult both physically and emotionally both
for the people who are infected and for those who are affected. Through
commemorating the candlelight memorial, we want to reach out to everyone
affected by the epidemic and to share with them hopeful thoughts for the
future.
South Africans are invited to light candles at community gatherings and to
remember those we've lost.
Media are invited to participate in this commemoration. The programme
includes prayers, choir performances and speeches by people affected by HIV and
AIDS, leaders and community members.
Time: 11h00 - 13h00
Date: Sunday, 21 May 2006
Venue: Vista University Arena, Church Street, Bloemfontein
For more information, scheduling interviews and for RSVPs, please contact:
Tebogo Matlou or Priya Maharaj
Tel: (011) 772 1000
Fax: (011) 772 1100
E-mail: tebogom@meropa.co.za or
priyam@meropa.co.za
Enquiries:
Gela Naudé
Principal Communication Officer
Tel: (051) 408 1278
Fax: (051) 408 1055
Cell: 082 381 9483
E-mail: naudeg@fshealth.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
16 May 2006
