Winnie Mandela to Be Honored By Save Africa Concerts Foundation For Her Work with AIDS

When South Africa cried out for a savior, it was Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who picked up the mantel and stood front and center. The ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, African National Congress leader and former South African president, fought in the trenches as well as any General and took up the cry for freedom; a struggle led by her husband prior to his 28 year imprisonment. Yet, Winnie Mandela always gave Nelson Mandela the credit.

*During Apartheid the South African government besmirched WinnieÕs name and reputation at every turn. And, indeed, Winnie continues to have many critics, both black and white, concerning some of the methods used to secure black South Africa its freedom. Yes, Winnie Mandela knows full well the perils of war and the price it extracts. She was not blind to the extreme stress, sacrifaces, decisions and indeed the consequences that were necessary to free her people from the constraints of a savage white South African government and their savage Apartheid system even if it meant the banishment, and as its alleged, the elimination of some of her own. Although, Winnie Mandela hardly overcame the rigors of Apartheid singlehandedly, rightly or wrongly, in large part, what is South Africa today, is due to the efforts of Winnie Mandela. It may not be perfect but it certainly is a great deal better than it once was and that is due to the lioness and lamb that is Ms. Winne Mandela.

*Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela was born September 26, 1934 in the village of Bizana, in what is known as the Pondo region. Despite the hardship of acquiring an education, Winnie was fortunate enough to secure her education from the Jan Hofmeyer School in Johannesberg where she earned a degree in social work. She also holds a bachelorÕs degree in International Relations. *Winnie has held several governmental positions including head of the African National Congress WomenÕs League, and Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology.

*One of the most controversial women of our time, Ms. Mandela has had to overcome many legal battles as a result of her struggles to free her homeland. Some believe she committed acts that have tarnished her name while many others believe she is a hero. A true heroine, who did what she had to do to help break the yoke of a tyrannical white South African government. Whatever, the case may be, Winnie Mandela continues to fight for her people but now itÕs a different war. Her most current war is as lethal an enemy as any oppressive government. Her new war is against HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B which has devestated much of the continent of Africa.

*It is reported that Winnie is an outspoken proponent of abstience and encourages her countrywomen to educate themselves about the HIV/AIDS virus as well as use abstience as one method towards its prevention.

*More recently, because of her work and that of Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa of Nigeria who has adopted many children left orphaned due to the AIDS virus, the two women, alongside Professor Babatunde Osotimehinn, and Minister Christine Walker are to be honored at the ÒBeyond the TearsÓ Award Ceremony for their work with HIV/AIDS at the World famous Apollo Theater on May 19th at 8:00 P.M.

*Save Africa Concerts Foundation (SAC) has combined forces with the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council (HHYSC) to present ÒBeyond the Tears Humanitarian AwardÓ Concert designed to raise funds for the SACAIDS project. Save Africa Concerts Foundation is a non-profit 501(C) 3 charitable organization founded in 2000 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Its goal is to educate and link community organizations that serve the needs of those affected with AIDS and/or at risk of acquiring the disease.

*The ÒBeyond the Tears HumanitarianÓ Award will bring together members of the diplomatic community, officials of the United Nations and representatives of various governments, corporations and organizations engaged in the global fight against HIV/AIDS with entertainers committed to making a difference through the power of their music.

*SAC and HHYSC are planning the event in tandem with International AIDS Vaccine Awareness Day (May 18th), African Diaspora Hepatitis B/HIV-AIDS Awareness Week (May 13-19). In recognition of these days, SAC and HHYSC will be collaborating with the United NationÕs Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the Mennonite Central Committee United Nations Liaison Office and the New York University Institute of Community Health to facilitate a series of activities designed to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, education, prevention, and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on making a significant impact toward eliminating the virus.

*Save Africa Concerts Foundation and NYU Center for Latino Health Institute of Community Health and Research will be organizing FREE Hepatitis B Screening and Counseling on May 5th and 6th via Mobile Unit at 116 Street, (bet. 7th & 8th Ave.) in Harlem from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. The first 500 people to be screened will receive free tickets to the ÒBeyond the TearsÓ event on May 19th at the Apollo Theater.

*A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD FRIDAY, MAY 18TH FROM 11:00 AM Ð 12:00 noon at the press room of the United Nations Headquarters located on First Avenue between 44th and 46th Streets and will include the participation of Dr. Marc Johnson, Winnie Mandela, Senator Ita-Giwa, Minister Christine Walker and Professor Babatunde Osotimehinn.

*Ticket Information:

Tickets for ÒBeyond the TearsÓ Award Ceremony at the famous Apollo Theater are $35, $50, $75 each, and are available at the Apollo Theatre box office, located at 253 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027, (212) 531-5305 (212) 531-5305 and www.Ticketmaster.com. Net proceeds from the event will go towards the SACAIDS Project.

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