7 August 2004
Inkatha Freedom Party leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, makes a landmark revelation that his daughter, Princess Mandisi Sibukakonke, died from HIV/AIDS. Earlier, Buthelezi revealed that his son, Prince Nelisuzulu Benedict Buthelezi, died from the same disease on April 29. Buthelezi's openness about circumstances leading to the death of his two children was welcomed by AIDS activists hoping that it would lead to open discussions about AIDS and contribute towards the destigmitisation of the disease. Buthelezi said:
"We have done too little. How much more suffering and pain shall we bear before those who have the responsibility open their hearts? ...Tragically, Mandisi's untimely death should have been averted, for she has also succumbed to the disease that is unmercifully mowing down many of our people. ...The feeling of despair and hopelessness that her mother and I feel, has been experienced by countless anxious parents across the land. Today, I voice their pain as well as mine. I say, on their behalf, as well as mine, 'how much longer must we endure this torment?"
Furthermore, Buthelezi called on the government to take serious actions to stop the tide of this disease.
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