Emancipate yourself from... stigma and prejudice

On 1 December 1834, many hundreds of men, women and children were emancipated from slavery in South Africa but still had to serve a four year apprenticeship with their owners, making their official date of freedom 1 December 1838 and 154 years later, in 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared 1 December World Aids Day. It is upon this international declaration that, Iziko Museums of Cape Town will join the rest of the country and international community in commemorating World Aids and Emancipation Day. Our theme for this year’s World Aids and Emancipation Day programme is: “Emancipate Yourself from…Stigma and Prejudice”.

Through this theme, we are hoping to mark our collective rededication to the fight against HIV-AIDS and also convey the message of emancipation from any form of unjust imprisonment and enslavement. In the midst of the HIV pandemic, most South Africans do not know their HIV status. And for many who are HIV positive, they do not feel safe disclosing their status, seeking medical treatment or asking for support. Because of stigma, tragically, HIV becomes a ‘death sentence’, whereas treatment is available to help people live a normal life. As a result, because of the stigma and prejudice surrounding the disease, many people die needlessly. Considering the deadly consequences of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV-AIDS, there needs to be a space for individuals and the collective to confront our own prejudices about HIV-AIDS in order to emancipate ourselves from our imprisoning perceptions.

In our resolve to show our unwavering institutional support and solidarity towards individuals and families that are either infected or affected by this pandemic, Iziko Museums will host HIV-AIDS workshops, counseling and open-mic sessions, edutainment, ritual of remembrance and a picnic organized to create awareness and signify our commitment to the values of emancipation at different levels of our lives.

Iziko means “hearth” and in our quest to make our museums places where memories are preserved and stories are told, we would like to invite you to share this day with us by contributing to the People’s Collection. Over the years many beautiful ribbons have been produced to commemorate this day. This is your opportunity to add your special Aids Day Ribbon to the People’s Collection and share your story with the world. These special ribbons will be on display at the Iziko Slave Lodge Courtyard for the duration of the month and will form part of the Ritual of Remembrance where you are encouraged to take a moment for personal reflection and write a message on a flag to be hung in the Courtyard.

During lunchtime you can mingle with Iziko staff members on the lawns of the Company’s Gardens, where speakers and entertainment will focus on the strides taken by society to eliminate stigma and prejudice associated with the scourge of HIV Aids. Bring your own picnic basket. To purchase a picnic basket and for more information about the day’s events contact Andre Williams at 083-888962.

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