King’s comments threaten HIV-prevention efforts among sexual minorities
25 January 2012
The Anova Health Institute’s Health4Men project expresses deep concern around Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekizulu’s hateful comments while speaking at an event commemorating the 133rd anniversary of the Battle of Isandwana.
He is reported to have stated as follows: "Traditionally, there were no people who engaged in same sex relationships. There was nothing like that and if you do it, you must know that you are rotten…"
The king’s comment that “…same sex is not acceptable…” is particularly troubling considering that widespread stigma and prejudice towards homosexual behaviour is prevalent within the wider community and, disconcertingly, within the public health sector. His irresponsible utterances therefore have a direct impact on the burden of HIV among men who practice same-sex behaviour.
In the context of South Africa’s HIV epidemic, and wide-spread homophobia and prejudice throughout Africa, such statements by prominent public figures prevent countless men from accessing life-saving treatment.
The traditional ruler’s remarks stand in stark contrast to the Bill of Rights in our Constitution and fly in the face of progressive new guidelines for sexual minorities outlined in the new National Strategic Plan for on HIV, STIs and TB (2011 - 2017).
By further marginalising and alienating men who have sex with men and other sexual minorities, the Zulu king’s comments have the potential to jeopardise the advances made by organisations like Health4Men in addressing HIV among highly marginalised and high-risk populations.
We call on the king to assume responsibility for the harm done by his statements by
- issuing a public retraction and apology
- declaring his support for the National Strategic Plan and initiatives to curb HIV within vulnerable sectors of the population, and
- stating his support for the Bill of Rights in our Constitution.
Health4Men established the continent’s first clinics providing sexual health services and support to men who have sex with men, with special emphasis on HIV prevention and free treatment. These clinics are located in Woodstock, Soweto, Khayelitsha and Johannesburg with plans to extend services to other provinces. The organisation also advocates for public health care that is stigma and prejudice free.
Health4Men is an initiative of the Anova Health Institute and is funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the United States Agency for International Development.
Contact Riaan Norval at Health4Men (t) 011 7175 5080 (m) 084 823 5099 or media@health4men.co.za