Nkosi Johnson Memorial For International Children's Day

 
Nkosi Johnson Memorial For International Children's Day
Gail Johnson, Nkosi’s mother, comments “’Kosi stood and fought so hard for the rights of HIV/AIDS infected people, particularly mothers and children. He sincerely wished that there would be no more discrimination. One of his biggest concerns was that AIDS orphans should receive acceptance and quality care – a challenge facing South Africa today.”
“During the service it is also the intention to light candles to represent the estimated 76,000 AIDS orphans - in Gauteng alone - by lighting one candle for every 1000 orphans. My hope is to ensure that ‘Kosi’s wish and legacy continues and that this vigil will be a burning reminder that there are children all around us in need”
According to Johnson, many well known South African personalities and celebrities, among them winner of SA Idols - Heinz Winckler, together with the children and mothers of Nkosi’s Haven will each light a candle to symbolically acknowledge and represent hope and caring for the AIDS orphans of South Africa”
Nkosi Johnson was 12 years old when he died of AIDS on International Children’s day in 2001. Born HIV positive on the 4th February 1989 he developed full-blown AIDS 2 years later. Although doctors had given Nkosi 9 months to live, he grew up and became a beacon of hope to millions of people living with HIV/AIDS not only in South Africa, but also throughout world.
Hailed at the time, as having been South Africa’s longest surviving child with AIDS (without sophisticated drug therapy intervention), he turned heads, opened hearts and eyes during his life span. He became an inspiration and an icon – across the world – crossing race, cultures, geographical locations and language barriers
In July 2000, this slight child with the soulful eyes and full-blown AIDS captured the hearts of millions of TV viewers, when his address at the 13th International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, was televised world-wide. In a speech that he wrote himself, the then 11-year Nkosi spoke frankly to delegates about his experiences with HIV and about the issues surrounding Aids in South Africa.
He said “I want people to understand about Aids - to be careful and respect Aids - you can't get Aids if you touch, hug, kiss, hold hands with someone who is infected. Care for us and accept us - we are all human beings. We are normal. We have hands. We have feet. We can walk, we can talk, we have needs just like everyone else - don't be afraid of us - we are all the same!”
Nkosi’s Haven would welcome calls from personalities who would like to light a candle on the day and in so doing demonstrate their support for this worthy cause.
About NKOSIS HAVEN
Nkosi's Haven is situated Northeast of Johannesburg in one of the most densely populated suburbs in the country. Nkosi's Haven believes and strives to fulfil the policy of keeping the destitute HIV infected mother and child together. It is the belief that no mother should be separated from her child because of HIV-status. The intention is to duplicate this project throughout South Africa.
Currently, the two houses accommodate: 17 mothers and 44 children – including 15 Orphans and 9 HIV infected children.
With the support of the Gauteng Dept of Housing, Social Housing, special needs, a property has been purchased in Alan Manor and named “Nkosi’s Haven Village”. On completion of renovations and additions, this property will accommodate a further 100 mothers and 183 children.
In addition, a 12-acre farm has been purchased near Vereeniging and named “Nkosi’s Haven 4Life Farm”. This farm is being established, based on a “Kibbutz” style of living, with self-sustainability principles. Mothers and children will be educated and skilled in basic furniture making, pottery, candle making and sewing. On completion with property will accommodate 100 mothers and 200 children.
Nkosi Haven and The Nkosi Johnson AIDS Foundation, also support outreach programmes at the townships of Sebokeng and Tembisa. At present 13 orphans are being accommodated, fed and educated. The intention is to duplicate the Nkosi's Haven project with the purchase and renovation of a small house in Tembisa. Website: www.nkosishaven.co.za
About The Cathedral of St Mary
This Anglican Church was built in 1887 and In 1975, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was appointed Anglican Dean of St. Mary's Anglican Cathedral in Johannesburg, the first black person ever appointed to that position.
The Very Reverend Peter Lenkoe has always been extremely supportive of Nkosi Johnson, Nkosi’s Haven and the work that they do and will lead the memorial service on Sunday 1 June
For more information, contact:
Cliff van Tonder
Nkosi’s HavenTel: +27 82 577 0007
Email: cliff@nkosishaven.com
Or
Gail Johnson
Nkosi’s HavenTel: +27 82 593 1999
Email: nkosishaven@worldonline.co.za