[Viva] a sad loss for Africa and the world

[shelly tognazzini]

[image: Prudence Nobantu Mabele (Pic supplied: DreamMultimedia)]

Prudence Nobantu Mabele (Pic supplied: DreamMultimedia)
Prudence Nobantu Mabele has died from pneumonia at the age of 46, her
family has announced.

South Africa’s leading advocate for people living with HIV and Aids and a
respected gender activist, Prudence Nobantu Mabele, has died from pneumonia
at the age of 46.

Mabele was the president for the Society for Women and Aids in Africa. She
broke ground in 1992 when she became the first black woman to publicly
reveal her HIV-positive status in South Africa.

Mabele’s family announced her death on Monday night. “She passed away from
pneumonia on 10 July,” said the family in a statement.

On Tuesday, Grassroots American nongovernmental organisation Thousand
Currents paid tribute to Mabele saying: “Our hearts are broken upon hearing
the news that the force of nature Prudence Mabele has departed the earth.
Our deepest condolences go to her family, friends and the staff, board, and
members of Positive Women’s Network, South Africa.

“So, so many people have been touched by her groundbreaking work for the
last 20+ years. A long time partner of ours, Nobantu inspired and guided
our work with her brilliance, wisdom, and courage. We will miss her dearly.
May Prudence rest in peace and in power.”
As one of South Africa’s leading spokespersons and an advocate for people
living with HIV and Aids, in 2004 Mabele carried the Olympic torch as part
of an international torch relay for the 2004 Olympics in Greece.

She was also one of the founding members of the Bring Back Our Girls South
Africa campaign.

Described by her family as a leading advocate for people living with HIV
and Aids, Mabele was a respected gender activist. She was also the founder
and executive director of the Positive Women’s Network and deputy chair of
the South African National Aids Council.

Details of the memorial service and funeral were yet to be announced.

[image: photo]
*Shelly Tognazzini*
HIV Peer Research, Health and Wellness Coordination
604-440-1579 | shetognazzini at gmail.com
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