July 24, 2006
By Tammy O'Reilly
AMONG the HIV/Aids awareness programmes run by the City of Johannesburg, a fund set up by the executive mayor offers relief for families experiencing the debilitating financial and social impact of the disease.
The fund was initiated in April 2005 when executive mayor Amos Masondo committed the R632 000 raised from a charity golf day to a single project with a distinct focus.
Out of this, the Mayoral Aids Fund was established to provide further assistance to elderly guardians caring for orphans, and families with no financial support like child-headed households.
"The impact of HIV and Aids in Johannesburg cannot be overstated. As the powerhouse of the country, a threat to the social and economic health of Johannesburg represents a threat to the entire country," said Masondo.
In his budget address in May 2006 Masondo emphasised the importance of tackling HIV and Aids, listing it as one of the mayoral priorities.
'The impact of HIV and Aids in Johannesburg cannot be overstated,' says the City's executive mayor Amos Masondo
"The fund does not replace any provincial or national initiatives, but it is an attempt by the City to contribute in supporting community level projects, mainly, the small organisations with limited funding opportunities."
Through further initiatives and donations from businesses, the first venture of the mayoral project, dubbed Buckets of Love, took place in November 2005. About 3 000 buckets filled with groceries, non-perishable foodstuffs and household items like bleach and washing powder were distributed to the needy across the city.
The disadvantaged households are identified through faith-based organisations, social workers and schoolteachers.
All recipients of the hampers were registered on the indigent list so that the City can continue to give them support.
The latest initiative of the project took place on Tuesday, 25 July in Ivory Park, where 800 blankets were given out to people struggling to find resources to make the lives of their loved ones who are infected more comfortable.
"During winter, both the rich and the poor have a desire to keep warm, but it's a nightmare for the people who don't have the means to acquire this warmth," said councillor for Ward 78, Joseph Mahlanga.
"The City of Johannesburg has come to the rescue of the needy, and they now have hope in a City that cares."
Buckets of Love
For this year's Buckets of Love initiative - scheduled in time for Christmas - Masondo is hoping to raise funds for more than 2 000 hampers.
The City also runs an effective programme called Jozi Ihlomile, which is steered by volunteers in each region who carry out education programmes to reduce the incidence of HIV and Aids in Johannesburg. To those who are already infected, the volunteers provide supportive and therapeutic care.
Some of the interventions promoted in Jozi Ihlomile are Adopt a Block where volunteers adopt an area and visit all homes in it at least once a month, providing support, education and referrals to hospitals. The volunteers also render a home-based care service where they visit patients regularly, assist them physically and supervise their intake of medication.
Creating an awareness of the City's HIV and Aids prevention programmes: the Jozi Ihlomile Choir
"Jozi Ihlomile is the pride of the City of Johannesburg," said Meisie Lerutla, deputy director of the HIV/Aids unit in the City. "All the volunteers are given training before they are sent out into the community, and they are doing an excellent job in trying to put a stop to this disease."
She added that the fight against the disease is futile if people don't begin to alter their behaviour, a sentiment echoed by Masondo.
"There are many organisations and initiatives set up to send out the message of HIV/Aids. There is an international Aids Day when the campaign is intensified worldwide, but one can say that the battle is not being won. The battle will only be won if people can commit to changing behaviour," he concluded.
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