PRESIDENT SHOULD COMMEND MANDELA FOR HIS OPENNESS

UNCLAS PRETORIA 000075

SIPDIS

NSC FOR DR. COURVILLE
STATE FOR OGAC/TOBIAS, AF/NEWMAN
STATE FOR AF/S/AMB. FRAZER

E.O. 12948: N/A
TAGS: KHIV PREL SF
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT SHOULD COMMEND MANDELA FOR HIS OPENNESS
IN SAYING SON DIED OF AIDS IN CONDOLENCE LETTER, PHONE CALL


1. On Thursday January 6, Nelson Mandela told reporters at
his home in Houghton that his son Makgatho, who had been
hospitalized since late November, had died of AIDS. Mandela
noted that talking about such diseases was the only way to
stop people from "regarding it as extraordinary and for
which people will go to hell and not to heaven."


2. The acknowledgement from Mandela, given his stature and
influence, is a courageous and critical contribution to
reducing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
For this reason, and in support of our strong partnerships
in addressing AIDS in South Africa through the President's
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, we recommend that President
Bush send a brief letter of condolence to former President
Mandela. A suggested text is provided below.

BEGIN TEXT:

Dear President Mandela,

I write to convey my heartfelt condolences on the death of
your son and eldest child Makgotho.

Also, I commend your forthrightness in publicly announcing
that the cause of Makgotho's death was HIV/AIDS. Your
disclosure will go a long way to destigmatizing AIDS, adding
to your many contributions in addressing the challenges of
AIDS.

My government remains committed to working in partnership
with the South African government and private sector in
HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care through the
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Laura and I send our personal condolences to you and your
family and we will hold you in our prayers during this time
of great sorrow.

With deepest sympathy,


George W. Bush

END TEXT OF LETTER


3. We also encourage President Bush to consider phoning
former President Mandela directly to convey his condolences
and commend Mandela's candor in discussing the cause of his
son's death. The contact is Zelda La Grange, Private
Secretary, 27-11-728-1000/1100.

SIPDIS


4. NOTE: Upon receiving news that Makgotho Mandela died
earlier in the day, Charge immediately sent a letter of
condolence. Mandela made the disclosure about AIDS later in
the day at his residence. End note.

HARTLEY