Ramaphosa: South Africa now has the courage to talk about sex
Deputy President Cyril
Ramaphosa says South Africans have now scraped
together enough courage to openly discuss previously
taboo topics such as sex.
Ramaphosa - speaking in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council - delivered an address at the Walter Sisulu University Stadium in Mthatha, Eastern Cape as part of the commemorative events marking World Aids Day on 1 December.
''We now have the courage, as South Africans, to talk about difficult things. It was not possible for men and women to sit and talk about sex publicly, especially in the presence of our kings and traditional leaders.''
Ramaphosa engaged in a dialogue with traditional leaders prior to delivering his address, reminding them of their cultural role in participating in discussions to de-stigmatise HIV/Aids.
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''You, as our traditional leaders are the custodians of our customs and traditions of our people. You are all of the norms, the standards, and behavioural attitudes of our people. And our people hold you in high regard because you are the standard bearers," Ramaphosa said.
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The theme for this year’s World Aids Day is: ''It is my right to know my status. Prevention is my responsibility''. The theme aims to encourage South Africans to take intentional action in personally and collectively taking responsibility to prevent HIV/Aids.