More than 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Twenty-five million—over 60 percent—are in southern Africa. Of the estimated 3.1 million AIDS deaths in 2005, 2.4 million were in this part of Africa.  It is this alarming trend that the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, is attempting to combat through the foundation bearing his name.

Since 2001 GTZ has supported the Nelson Mandela Foundation on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Mandela set up his foundation in 1999 with the goal of promoting peace, democracy and development on the African continent. Combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic and mitigating its social consequences is a central concern here. GTZ advises the foundation on organising its HIV/AIDS programme. 

Drawing a balance after four years, Nelson Mandela paid tribute to the German commitment:
“The support given to my foundation and its HIV/AIDS programme by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and GTZ has been very helpful. We are proud that we are working professionally now and conducting effective HIV/AIDS initiatives.”

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has now become one of the most prominent actors in the fight against HIV/AIDS and is known far beyond the borders of South Africa. Many celebrities such as U2 singer Bono, pop star Beyoncé Knowles, actor Will Smith and former
US President Bill Clinton are taking part in education campaigns on behalf of the foundation. “One achievement is that the taboo subject of HIV/AIDS can increasingly be discussed openly: one of the most important prerequisites for promoting a social debate and achieving concrete behavioural changes in the medium term”, was the assessment of Heiko Roehl, GTZ – the foundation’s adviser. 

GTZ’s support for the Nelson Mandela Foundation includes establishing modern, effective financial management and a strong organisational structure and consulting on campaign management. Together with GTZ, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has taken up the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa: former President Mandela draws unparalleled respect in South Africa and around the world.  His charismatic public image and his integrity are of inestimable value in achieving a sustainable change in the way people cope with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. GTZ, for its part, contributes many years of experience in organisational development and in fighting the epidemic in developing countries.