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| Nkosi Johnson giving a speech at the 13th International AIDS Conference at Durban 2000 |
“Care fro us and accept us we are
all human beings. We are normal, we have hands, we have feet, we can talk and
we have needs just like everyone else. Don’t be afraid of us-we are the same”
This is what Nkosi Johnson said at the 13th International AIDS
Conference at Durban 2000, he was one of the opening ceremony speakers.
Nkosi took the courage to address
the Nation and the world as a whole against the discrimination toward AIDS
infected people; he became the voice of the voiceless. At that moment, AIDS was
certainly a death sentence prior the availability of Anti-retrovirals. Anti-retrovirals also known as ARV regime which ensure a long fulfilling,
productive life. Taking responsibility and with support, being positive about one’s
status, the sky is the limit.
Before he passed away, his
dearest wish was to open a long-term facility that caters for destitute
HIV/AIDS infected mothers and children in an environment of acceptance, loving
and non-discriminatory. He proudly officiated the opening of the first Nkosi’s
Haven in April 1999, as he separated with his mother at the age of 3 because to
HIV diagnosis. Gail Johnson had an
arrangement with Nkosi’s mom to look after him as he was not supposed to
outlive her.
Nkosi’s Haven continues to
thrive-doing the work Nkosi so badly wanted giving mothers and children
(including orphans infected or not) quality care and interaction. Our mission
is to offer good care, best education for our kids and skills developing
programs for the mothers, as we want to empower them to become responsible and
contributing members of the society.
Assist us on working towards an
AIDS free generation by joining hands. Together we can divided we fall.
HIV/AIDS dose not discriminate why should we. We are one irrespective of out
status. Let us keep Nkosi’s dream alive.
