Aids branding: MP apologises

2009-05-29 09:19

Johannesburg - A Swazi MP whose remarks on HIV/Aids drew international criticism, said on Thursday he would use the controversy to raise awareness about the pandemic.

"Maybe God had another purpose in my uttering these things, that I can become involved to help those who are suffering from this," Swaziland politician Timothy Myeni told a media briefing in Johannesburg.

Myeni, who is also a pastor and leader of a popular gospel musical group, Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors, caused controversy last week after he was reported in The Times of Swaziland as suggesting HIV-positive people should be branded on the buttocks.

"Before having sex with anyone, people will then check the buttocks of their partners before proceeding with their mission," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Apology

Myeni repeatedly apologised at the briefing for his remarks, and invited the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), who hosted it, to visit his constituency in Swaziland for an HIV awareness campaign.

"I'm very sorry. If you need me to show a sign of how sorry I am, I'm ready to show," said Myeni.

The remark he had made was "not a statement, but a question", posed during an Aids workshop with policy makers.

"During a question and answer, [I asked] maybe those [who] are found to be with the virus would be given a mark somewhere, so they can get quicker treatment," he said.

"The word 'branded' has never come out of my mouth."

Myeni said it had been explained to him at the workshop that the branding issue was not appropriate, and he had withdrawn his question.

He added his was not the most controversial question at the workshop, and other policy makers had suggested Aids was curable.

"I can tell you now, this thing was minor compared to what other people asked," he said.


TAC Gauteng co-ordinator Lefa Tlhame said his organisation accepted Myeni's apology.

Positive comments on HIV/Aids prevention

"We would like him, as a group, that when he is going in public forums that he commit to making positive comments on HIV/Aids prevention," he said.

TAC Mpumalanga co-ordinator Bheki Khoza said his organisation would take up the offer of helping to run information campaigns in Swaziland.

"As an organisation we accept the apology, but on the condition we're going to assist in Swaziland with information, especially with MPs," he said.

Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors have a large following in South Africa and have been nominated in the SA Music Awards. The TAC had threatened to take action and demonstrate outside sold-out performances in Cape Town later this month.

Myeni and the TAC said that during the show a platform would be given to the organisation to speak on HIV/Aids.

But another TAC activist, Ekhureleni policy and research co-ordinator Nokwhezi Hoboyi, said at the briefing that an apology and a short appearance at the Cape Town show was not enough.

"Your statement has done huge damage because those people who are against those living with HIV/Aids will take this [message] up. As a person living openly with HIV, I don't need a stamp on my behind," Hoboyi said.

Myeni again promised to work to raise HIV awareness.

"I promise, Sisi, that you will hear me helping, speaking about people living with HIV/Aids."

After the briefing ended, Myeni and Hoboyi could be seen discussing ways of using his musical group's popularity to promote information on HIV/Aids, and encourage fans to get tested.

- SAPA