Social Development minister Dr Zola Skweyiya sent a high level delegation headed by his advisor Yvonne Merafe, to meet with the caregivers and some of the orphans, within days of the articles appearing.

A visit by Skweyiya to the affected areas is also on the cards, according to his office.

Mbulelo Musi, spokesperson for the minister, acknowledged that the resources given by government to the Churches and NGO’€™s and other community bodies for AIDS projects in the Northern Province may not be enough.

‘€œMaybe the resources are not adequate. What is clear is that we need to continue to support these projects, but perhaps we need to also look at what contributions the community and business can make,’€ Musi said.

He said the department would also be looking at improving services and other forms of support for the orphans.

Sister Sally Duigan, HIV/AIDS co-ordinator for the Tzaneen diocese, said the response had been heartening.

‘€œMany people have phoned offering food and money,’€ she said.

Duigan reiterated that they were grateful for the support they received from Government, but pointed out that the need was so great that is was threatening to overwhelm caregivers, communities and social workers alike.

Duigan said the exposure had also led to many more orphans coming forward. A woman, weakened by hunger and disease who had also been ostracized by her family, arrived on the doorstep of the Kurisinani Centre hoping to receive help.

Duigan said 55 people from all over the diocese recently held a meeting to discuss the response to the orphan situation.

‘€œPeople had the opportunity to share and to talk about the situation in their areas’€¦Venda, Malumelele, Giyani’€¦the situation is really bad and many people in many areas are dying of hunger.’€
‘€“ Health-e News Service