In facing up to the challenges of the HIV/Aids pandemic in the province and the country, the IFP has always focused on solutions rather than on the problem. You will recall that I, as Premier of KwaZulu Natal, oversaw the first mass distribution of Nevirapine to HIV-positive pregnant women in 2003 when this - now universally accepted - policy was hopelessly unpopular and openly discouraged by the South African government. 

As with every other socio-economic challenge, we in the IFP believe in a bottom-up approach. While we acknowledge the need for strong national leadership and a solid health policy framework, we realise that the fight against the disease really begins in our families and communities. There are many ways - big and small - in which every one of us can contribute to the fight against HIV/Aids. 

In 2008 the IFP public representatives – starting with myself as Leader of the Official Opposition in KwaZulu Natal - will focus on direct involvement in the war against the disease. We will engage with infected individuals and affected communities in our parliamentary constituencies and IFP-run municipalities through a range of fresh practical initiatives. 

One initiative which is particularly close to my heart is providing income generating skills to home based care givers in rural areas. I know dozens of such care givers. Most of them are either grandmothers who use their modest pensions to take care of their HIV positive children or orphaned grandchildren or they are children and grandchildren themselves who head entire households. 

These ladies in particular desperately need to supplement their income (often consisting only of pensions and grants) by starting their own businesses. The IFP will use its extensive links with the corporate community to create meaningful opportunities for them and, at the same time, we will encourage business people to make a difference in the fight against HIV/Aids. 

Dr Lionel Mtshali

Leader of the Official Opposition 

PLEASE NOTE: The Leader of the Official Opposition is part of the KZN parliamentary delegation visiting India between 13 and 31 January 2008. Dr Mtshali will resume his Weekly Message upon his return. 

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902