Activist wins rights award

GERMAN Ambassador to South Africa Dr Martin Schaefer says Stellenbosch University director of the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management Vuyiseka Dubula-Majola’s dedication to the cause of improving the lives of HIV-positive people has undoubtedly inspired her community, and hope will continue to inspire the rest of the world.

Dubula-Majola was recently announced as a recipient of the 2018 Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

Now in its third year, the prize is awarded annually by France and Germany to individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to the protection of human rights.

The award recognises Dubula-Majola’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of HIV positive people.

Dubula-Majola tested HIV positive in 2001 and subsequently involved herself with HIV activism. She joined the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and was instrumental in the establishment of TAC branches in Cape Town’s Klipfontein district.

She served as the provincial program co-ordinator of TAC’s Prevention and Treatment Literacy Programme for six years and has twice served as TAC general-secretary.

Ambassador of France to South Africa Christophe Farnaud, and Schaefer, will host a ceremony in honour of Dubula-Majola on International Human Rights Day.

“On the occasion of Human Rights Day, and as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Human Rights Declaration, it is an honour to award this prize to Vuyiseka Dubula-Majola. Her lifelong commitment towards better public policies for HIV treatment in South Africa has played a key role in the advancement of the rights of HIV-positive people in the country,” said Farnaud.

Schaefer said: “Vuyiseka’s dedication to the cause has undoubtedly inspired her community, and we hope will continue to inspire the rest of the world,” said

The ceremony will take place on Monday at French Residence in Pretoria.