Media release 01 June 2005 Realising the dream!
Wednesday, 1 June marked the 4th anniversary of the death of Nkosi Johnson, but this year’s memorial was a little different as this time there was a reason to celebrate at the realisation of a dream of a young boy who believed that ‘HIV is something you have and not something you are’ and his wish was that Nkosi’s Haven offered enhanced quality of life to those who are HIV positive.

This wish has been fulfilled through the qualification of Emmalinah Sindane an HIV infected mom living at Nkosi’s Haven for this year’s Comrades Marathon. Emmelinah is 42 years old and contracted HIV when she was raped. She began running as part of a health regime to look after herself so that she could care for her baby Mpendulo who was thankfully born HIV negative.

Emmelinah began running in November 2003 when she ran the 15km in the Soweto Marathon. Since then she has participated in 14 races with her participation being dependant on how strong she feels. Her dream is to complete Comrades - something that she is fully committed to.

Gail Johnson, founding member of Nkosi’s Haven says, “Nkosi would be so proud of Emmalinah and her achievements. She epitomises the values and goals that we strive for at Nkosi’s Haven and she has effectively picked up the baton and is continuing to run the race that Nkosi began.”

Emmalinah, who has been infected with HIV for approximately 5 years, believes that without the love and support she has received at Nkosi’s Haven none of this would have been possible. “I found at the Haven an accepting and loving community that not only accepts my HIV status but supports and encourages me in all that I do. Without them I would not have the strength to undertake this enormous task.”

This support extends to the running community who are applauding Emmalinah’s drive and assisting her in her training and build-up to the race.

Acting CEO of the Comrades Marathon Association, Cheryl Winn says, “The Comrades Marathon Association congratulates and commends Emmalinah on her courageous stand and endeavour. We we wish her all of the best in Comrades and in life. May her example be a shining inspiration to everyone affected by this dread disease.”

Emmalinah will be running under the Randburg Harriers banner on the day and Duncan Eriksson, Chairman of the club, had the following to say: "It is indeed a privilege to have Emmalinah as part of our approximately 150-starong group of runners participating in this year’s Comrades Marathon. Just by qualifying for an event like Comrades Emmalinah has proven her determination which will carry her through to the finish in Durban. We look forward to supporting her along the route and welcoming her to the finish. We are confident she will not only enjoy the experience but will realise her dream,"

Notes on Nkosi’s Haven:
The philosophy and concept of Nkosi's Haven is to offer long-term residential care to destitute HIV/AIDS infected mothers and her child/children, thus keeping the mother and child 'unit' together for as long as possible.

Should the mother so state in her last will and testament, Nkosi’s Haven assumes responsibility of the resulting AIDS orphan/s (infected or not). In addition the organisation is also open to and provides for children who are orphaned by AIDS, but whose mother was not a resident.

At present, Nkosi's Haven consists of two residences next door to each other in Berea, Johannesburg, where 13 Mothers and 46 children are housed. Of the children being cared for eight are infected and 24 are AIDS orphans.

Issued by:
Penny Healy
Parfait Management
Tel: +27 11 783 5313