King calls for war on Aids
2005-11-18 09:47
Special Report
The South African government has announced a joint venture to reduce the cost of anti-retroviral drugs with a Swiss company.
Pietermaritzburg - Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has urged the National Democratic Convention to throw its weight behind the fight against poverty and the Aids pandemic troubling the nation.
The king told the four-months-old party that famine, unemployment, HIV/Aids, illiteracy and a lack of skills were the core issues that plagued his nation. The party had come to introduce itself to the king after its formation.
Zwelithini noted that as much as the party was new it demonstrated maturity by being the first political party to introduce itself to him.
"I take you as part of my nation and appreciate that there is a diversity of political views within the nation. That should make the nation robust and be able to tackle its challenges," said the king.
He advised Nadeco to put people first in their agenda so they can articulate their needs. He cautioned the party not to fall in a trap of dragging its political interest before development.
"I say this because there are parties that put their narrow political interest before development. That leaves my people suffering."
Jiyane said his party has the interest of the people at heart. "Like you, your Majesty, Nadeco promotes wholesome family values and the fear of God as the solution to the social degeneration.
"This country's problems have roots in moral decay. This is so evident now. Nadeco believes that moral problems require moral solution.
"If it is correctly acknowledged that the Aids pandemic, rampant criminality, poverty, drug abuse, violence against women and children are results largely of moral failings, the country would focus on developing a clear set of moral objectives that should define the soul of our nation," said Jiyane.
He said he was shocked by an incident where the party leader in Ulundi, Tutu Buthelezi (son of Mangosuthu Buthelezi), was attacked last weekend while trying to organise a meeting. Jiyane said his party does not believe in violence.
- The Witness