Zuma asked to head morals drive
2006-09-20 16:18
Makhado - Former deputy-president Jacob Zuma has been chosen as the keynote speaker for the launch of a moral regeneration and HIV/Aids campaign in Makhado, Limpopo, on Friday.
The civil society group, Makhado Morals, is introducing Operation Bulang Mabati (open opportunities) to re-affirm the importance of good morals and raise awareness about xenophobia, sexual abuse and HIV/Aids.
Makhado Morals co-ordinator Maxwell Nemadzivhanani said Zuma had been chosen to address the youth at Lesley Manyathela Stadium on Friday because of the commitment he had shown in the fight against HIV/Aids.
"Zuma has shown a lot of commitment in fighting this disease and we thought it appropriate that he addressed the youth," he said.
Nemadzivhanani is the former provincial Pan Africanist Congress chairperson and is the African National Congress member of the legislature.
Nemadzivhanani and his wife, Tshililo Nephalama, run Makhado Morals, which is registered as a Section 21 company.
Nemadzivhanani said Makhado Morals was not a political organ, however, and was not deterred by Zuma's recent rape trial and fraud and corruption case.
400 care-givers
"We respect the courts' ruling in both of Zuma's cases," he said.
Zuma was acquitted in the rape case earlier this year, while the fraud and corruption case was dropped on Wednesday in Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Makhado Morals' campaign was due to start on Thursday with 400 home-based care-givers educating the Musina community about the importance of having morals.
A further 100 representatives from 100 clinics in Limpopo also will be part of the door-to-door campaign.
Sports competitions are planned for Saturday to help integrate street children with other youth.
ANC Youth League president Fikile Mbalula will address the youth on Friday.