Independent Democrats (ID) leader Patricia de Lille called on Monday for an Aids truth commission, where all perpetrators of human rights abuses could appear to ”answer for their violations”.
In a statement, De Lille praised the organisers and delegates to South Africa’s first ever Aids conference — currently underway in Durban –for their hands on approach to seeking solutions to deal with HIV and Aids issues.
”The people of South Africa should be congratulated for rising above the stupid and insensitive way in which government is dealing with the pandemic, and they should be applauded for demanding a solution to the issue.”
South Africans had had enough of talking, debating, and silly rhetoric on the HIV and Aids issue. It was time for action, she said.
Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang had told the conference on Sunday the provision of ant-iretrovirals in the public sector was a ”subject that must be considered soberly”.
”Is Manto drunk?” De Lille asked.
”Six-hundred people are dying of HIV/Aids every day in South Africa; it is no time for sober considerations.
”It is time for an efficient and swift consideration, one with an action plan that saves the lives of the South African people.”
The ID suggested an Aids truth commission be held, with all perpetrators of human rights abuses to appear before it to answer for their violations.
De Lille advised that Tshabalala-Msimang be the first to appear, followed by President Thabo Mbeki ”to answer for their sins”. – Sapa