However, I am deeply saddened that South Africa and India are again fighting the same battle, which is relatively new but, beyond doubt, disastrous. Last week, Indian press reports raised concerns that the AIDS population in India was in danger of overtaking that of South Africa. The figures of infected people quoted were 3.6 million and 4.5 million respectively, with the rate of infection steadily increasing. It is very worrying that the rate of the spread of this pandemic is greater in this Province of KwaZulu Natal. That is the duty of our communities.
Government is limited in what it can provide through health-care and information campaigns.
As members of strong and unified communities, we are all required to examine our beliefs and biasses, and are called upon to correct the way we think about those who, right now, desperately need our help. I believe that a strong community, motivated by enthusiasm, goodwill and co-operation, may achieve a tremendous deal of good and overcome all obstacles in its path. These evils do not belong in a successful multi-party democracy. If we wish to give substance to the form of democracy, we need to address the heart and mind issues of the people living here. The greatest difficulty we face in respect of community development remains the ongoing battle over the powers and functions of amaKhosi within the communities which they have traditionally served and led for generations.