HIV/AIDS: Zuma’s renewed political tool?

Although former deputy president Jacob Zuma remains in hot water concerning allegations of government corruption, he has at least got his story straight regarding HIV/AIDS.

A Sunday Times report recounted a recent speech by Zuma to a young crowd.

The report read:

Speaking to Vaal University of Technology students, Zuma's comments were clearly aimed at exploiting Mbeki's weakness on the HIV/Aids issue.

“I will be making a mistake if I don't raise this issue with you,” Zuma said. “The disease is there. You can't run from it.”

The Sunday Times framed Zuma's comments about HIV/AIDS as a veiled attack against Mbeki's stance on the subject, amid a general ploy to hold onto his popularity in the ANC.

But to be fair, Zuma has been one of the more vocal ANC politicians on HIV/AIDS issues and is considered by some to be an ally in the fight against denialism and misinformation.

Earlier this year Zuma went against the Minister of Health's stance regarding nutrition. Sapareported Zuma telling parliament:

“Let me emphasise that our position is that nutrition is not a substitute for appropriate treatment, but prolongs good health and serves as a solid foundation that determines the success of other medical interventions.”

Last year, according to a Sapa report, Zuma targeted the youth telling them they should abstain from having sex as a precautionary AIDS measure, and, rather controversially, went as far as to promote virginity testing.

“Girls knew that their virginity was their family's treasure and boys respected that. They would only have sex when permitted to do so by their families after marriage - something which made them respect each other.”

Although admittedly doing little for women's empowerment in the above case, Zuma's strong traditionalist stance has put him in good stead through his political career. A more aggressive stance on HIV/AIDS might also strengthen his case amongst the people.

Paddy Harper's article exposed the political astuteness of Zuma's public and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring in his struggle to remain on the political stage in South Africa.

HIV-positive people in South Africa now number over 5-million – a considerable political constituency. The media should e xpect to hear more HIV/AIDS rhetoric over the next few months from the Zuma camp. And while any publicity is good publicity regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic, they would do well to unpack the difference between genuine concern and politicking. - Lunga Madlala