KalahariLog

I've been wondering why the HIV/AIDS rates are so high in Southern Africa in general and in Botswana in particular. A story from South Africa, that made the news earlier this year, is probably as good an illustration as any of the different attitudes towards AIDS in this part of the world. Jacob Zuma, the vice-president of South Africa was accused of raping the daughter of one his friends. She was a 30-something AIDS leader, who openly talked about being HIV-positive. Zuma was acquitted of the rape charges but had to leave office for unrelated corruption problems. At his rape trial, Zuma argued that the sex was consensual and that while he didn't use a condom, he did take a shower afterwards. Zuma (who is in his 60's) had recently married his 4th wife (a Swaziland princess in her 30's) who, I am sure, appreciated his thoughtfulness. Below is a nice cartoon from the popular Madam and Eve series.