While it is a time to celebrate for South Africa, there is work to
be done, according to American superstar Alicia Keys.
Speaking at a press conference for the Keep a Child Alive (KCA)
campaign, Keys urged South Africans to take a stand against HIV/Aids,
particularly in light of its effect on Aids orphans.
Keys, who will be performing in the World Cup Kick-off Concert
tonight has been a part of the KCA campaign since she was 21.
“I’m passionate about Keep a Child Alive, I’m motivated and
dedicated to the work we do. It’s an exciting triumph among the World Cup
triumph.
“You can feel the electricity in the streets,” she said about the
World Cup vibe. She spoke of South Africa as “a powerful place in
resiliency”.
Keys said it was crucial to address child abuse – in particular the
rape of infants. “President Zuma, please make this urgent on your agenda.”
She said child-headed households was an issue that had touched her
during her visits to South Africa. “The children here are the most beautiful in the world, they should
not live in tin shacks.”
Keys said they would have talks with the South African government
regarding international adoption. She said while laws were understandably in
place to protect children, with an estimated 3.7 million orphans, the laws
needed to be addressed to make it more possible for children to be adopted into
loving homes.
Keys, who recently announced that she would be having a child said:
“I feel extremely blessed and grateful.”
The twelve-time Grammy Award winner said she planned to bring a lot
of light and love and celebrations in her performance tonight.
“I plan to bring life,” she said.
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