Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially launch and mark the 100 Day Countdown of the 21st International AIDS Conference on Friday, 8 April 2016, at Gugu Dlamini Park. The AIDS conference will be hosted by eThekwini Municipality in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government on 18-22 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

This Friday, April 8, the Deputy President will deliver a keynote address and conduct a candle-lighting ceremony in commemoration of those who have died from the disease and those who are infected and affected by it. He will be joined by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Members of the Executive Committee in KwaZulu-Natal led by Premier Senzo Mchunu, Members of the International Aids Society, leadership from eThekwini Municipality led by Mayor James Nxumalo, HIV/AIDS activists, religious leaders, traditional leaders, business sector and members of the community.

Preceding the launch, a media briefing will be hosted, where the Deputy President, Provincial and Local Leadership will outline the country’s strategy in terms of dealing with the HIV/AIDS pandemic and give an update on the City’s state of Readiness to host the 2016 International AIDS Conference. Thereafter, the principals will join a parade that will start at King Dinuzulu Park, proceed down Dr Pixley ka Seme Street and end at Gugu Dlamini Park, where the launch and 100 Day Countdown will take place.

The details of the media briefing are as follows:

DATE: 08 April 2016

VENUE: Durban Art Gallery (Durban City Hall Anton Lembede entrance)

TIME: 8h00 â€" 9h00

Members of the Fourth Estate are, thereafter, invited to join the Parade that will kick off the day’s programme from King Dinuzulu Park to Gugu Dlamini from 9h00 to 10h00. The official schedule will then follow at Gugu Dlamini Park, where the Deputy President will address the public from 10.30am. At the Launch, the South African Government will announce the scientific and social interventions to take the country forward in vigorously fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

PLEASE NOTE: Transport for members of the media will be available from the City Hall car park to King Dinuzulu Park. To RSVP and book space, kindly contact Princess Nkabane on princess.nkabane@durban.gov.za, 031 311 14818 by no later than Wednesday, 06/04/201616, 17h00.