Couples wanting to marry should be required to undergo a compulsory Aids test before the wedding ceremony, says Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who has lost two children to the disease.
Speaking at a Cape Town Press Club luncheon on Wednesday, he said such testing is not only medically sensible, but also fair — ”fair on the children, who would otherwise be born with the disease”.
Buthelezi said South Africa’s Aids campaign should not rest solely on the use of condoms.
”If we rely on a piece of rubber for our salvation, then we are already doomed,” Buthelezi said.
More has to be done to curb the pandemic, including declaring Aids a notifiable disease.
The IFP leader also called for a return to traditional values, where it was seen as dishonourable for a single woman to be ”deflowered” before marriage.
He also called on the private sector to adopt a more pro-active role in the fight against Aids.
Applauding mining giant Anglo American for its leadership role in this regard, he said the corporation — through voluntary testing and counselling — has managed to return almost 2000 HIV-positive employees to active duty.
”I exhort other companies who have a presence in South Africa to follow Anglo American’s example, not just because it is the right thing to do, [but because] it also makes economic sense, as well as being socially responsible.”
Buthelezi took a swipe at the government’s handling of South Africa’s Aids crisis, saying it is of concern only 1% of the consolidated Budget is being used to fight the disease.
”If we were fighting a war I’m sure more than 1% of the budget would have been allocated,” he said.
Asked why he thinks the government is not doing more to combat the disease, he said it is not his place to try to see inside President Thabo Mbeki’s head.
However, he noted that while most citizens complain about the government’s Aids policy, 70% of them still voted for the African National Congress.
”That is the most powerful weapon they have,” he said.
Buthelezi, who recently lost his son Nelisuzulu (53) and daughter Mandisi (48) to the disease, said he salutes former president Nelson Mandela, who spoke out on Aids following the death of his own son.
Buthelezi said both his children had accepted too late they had the disease; his daughter had still been in denial when she died.
”I believe the South African people united can beat HIV/Aids. We … are at our best when we are united,” he said. — Sapa