“The problem with South Africa today is that everyone knows their rights, but no-one is willing to live up to their responsibilities,” proclaims Lorna Fisher, the larger-than-life founder of PUSH, a Soweto based NGO. Her exclamation both celebrates the dynamism of a liberated and strong civil society, whilst decrying what she perceives as an open-hand mentality fostered by too many lofty governmental pledges.
This theory could be applied to so many issues in contemporary South African society and politics, from housing and jobs to education and healthcare. The disparity between what the ANC has pledged and what it can realistically deliver is enormous, and subsequent societal expectations have led to many cases where people rely on handouts instead of working.
In this case the context is HIV and AIDS, the well-documented scourge of pandemic proportion in this region. After a rocky road of denial, conspiracy theories and advocating bizarre treatments, the true extent of HIV and AIDS and its’ correct medical care has been officially recognised. In coming to its senses however, South Africa’s leadership has opened an epic can of worms. The government has limited resources to address the problem, and society needs to break the stigma attached to the virus and help take responsibility to contain it.
It is estimated that up to 6 million South Africans are living with HIV with many more affected by it. The prevalence is much higher in the destitute townships where a lack of awareness of and knowledge about HIV, cultural attitudes, condom derision and the stigma of being HIV+ are all contributing factors to its rampancy.
This is where PUSH steps into the breach. Since Lorna set it up nine years ago, it has grown into a lifeline for many of the most vulnerable in Kliptown, a decaying suburb in the heart of Soweto. Part funded by the government after the initiation of a more robust policy of HIV counselling and testing, PUSH is capitalising on this official drive to provide a much-needed service to the local population in the absence of governmental structures.
The most visible of its’ services is an on-site feeding scheme, where hundreds of OVC’s (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) who are either infected with or affected by HIV, can shade themselves from the relentless sun and be provided with at least one nutritious meal a day. An on-site VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) centre employs counsellors and nurses who can test for HIV in 15 minutes. It refers HIV+ patients to clinics that supply medicinal treatments and provides much needed support and information on living with HIV. For those too sick to access the services, PUSH offers outreach assistance where community support officers visit the needy in their homes.
I joined those officers for a morning of visits deep into the informal settlement area of Kliptown.
Kliptown is a suburb proud of its’ contribution towards the struggle against apartheid. Several locals informed me that numerous homes we passed had been used to hide anti-apartheid leading lights from the authorities. It is easy to see how enemies of the State could keep their heads down in this maze of basic dwellings and muddy walkways.
The stench from the raw sewage seeping into alleyways of informal settlements can be overpowering. It is always surreal and unsettling sitting in a tiny shack, built with corrugated iron sheets conversing with the occupant. Kliptown however has a vibrancy caused by hawkers selling wares on the streets, men pumping hip-hop beats through open doors and women washing clothes under the sun. This energy comes at a price though, with a local unemployment rate estimated at 90% Kliptown is a busy place during the day, but undoubtedly would trade that street spirit for an increased income.
Lillian Lekgare, a PUSH community support officer, was delivering care packages donated by private benefactors to the house bound and acted as guide and protector. She later informed me that it would have been foolhardy to enter the settlement alone, as I would be an irresistible target to thieves who would not dare steal from her.
We visited several shacks, all of which were tiny but differing in conditions ranging from filthy squalor to spotlessly clean. The first recipient was Alina, a mother of four young children, three of whom shared her HIV+ status. A proud woman with two snotty babies hanging off her, Alina received the much needed gifts with dignity. Without PUSH, it would be difficult for her to access the government supplied HIV restraining drugs for her and her children.
At a later dwelling 27-year-old Juliette, a migrant from neighbouring Mozambique, sat in the corner sick with HIV and TB. Shy and unable to converse in English, Juliette let her uncle and head of the family do the talking. Almon, gracious and hospitable, explained that none of his family provided an income for the household and they had to rely on the meagre earnings of a hole in the wall ‘tuck shop’ selling basic provisions, to feed the family. To compound the pressing circumstances, as Juliette has no South African ID, she cannot access free medicine.
The issue of different nationals not receiving government-subsidised drugs was highlighted again during our final visit. Dora, a recent widow and elderly native of Lesotho, had lived in Kliptown for over twenty-five years. Her children were South African nationals, but she had never registered, despite losing all ties with Lesotho. Reliant on PUSH for support, Dora was understandably and visibly distressed with her situation.
There is clearly a long and arduous road that still lies ahead for organisations like PUSH. Currently they are well supported by the government and private donations, but fearing a whimsical change in policy, PUSH are well aware that money and support could be cut at any time. Regardless, they carry on by targeting those most vulnerable and at risk, whilst promoting their services to the general public.
PUSH’s strategy is in its name: ‘Persevere Until Something Happens’. I am confident that PUSH will continue to do so regardless of what obstacles stand in its way. For one, the founder and driving force Lorna, is certainly aware of her responsibilities.
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