Cyril’s pledge to Splash for Hope

DEPUTY President Cyril Ramaphosa is one of the many leaders who have pledged financial support towards a new campaign aimed at eradicating HIV/Aids and assisting those living with the virus.

Ramaphosa last month donated money to the Splash for Hope national fundraising campaign, established by civil society organisations.

The project, launched at Ubuntu Kraal in Orlando West in Soweto yesterday, has seen other international organisations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UNAids South Africa come on board.

Radio personality JJ Onkgopotse Tabane said South Africa had gone through a painful era of denialism under the leadership of former president Thabo Mbeki and then health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

“In the old days, we experienced many deaths. People gave the pandemic a new identity and called it cancer. You would wonder why a 25-year-old would die from cancer. However, we have made progress through treatment and interventions,” Tabane said.

Archbishop Mbulelo Dyasi, of People Living With HIV, said while civil society appreciated donor funds from the international community, it was time South Africans stood up for themselves and supported their own initiatives, instead of relying on these donors, because they would one day disappear.

The Gates Foundation’s local representative, David Allen, committed $15 000 (R196 500) towards the cause. Responding to Dyasi’s comments, Allen said while they appreciated that local communities want to steer their own ship, the foundation would not disappear but would continue lending a helping hand.

Communities and politicians are also encouraged to play an active role.

The campaign, which runs throughout April and May, requires individuals to embark on the Dunk or Donate Challenge. Organisers said people would dare each other either to donate, or get dunked in a pool of water if they don’t. Participants can upload videos on social media to raise awareness via #DunkorDonate.

Text Hope to 36329 to donate.