In a statement issued this week BONELA says it learnt with shock and dismay that a leader could be so irresponsible in public, if his recent utterances at the launch of Minister and MP candidate Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri is anything to go by. “The statement by MP Ngaka Ngaka that he is ‘shocked that opposition parties encouraged people to boycott government programmes while they are taking antiretrovirals is heavily laced with implications that may perpetuate stigma and discrimination, and is unbecoming of someone in such a position of influence,” says the BONELA statement.
BONELA says not only can it be inferred that the MP is showing blatant intolerance and disregard for voters living with HIV; his statement has the potential to deter opposition politicians from testing for HIV and non-adherence to treatment for those who are on antiretroviral treatment. While BONELA recognises that slander and ridicule of opponent’s parties has become part and parcel of lobbying the electorate for their votes, the right to freedom of expression should not infringe on the rights of others, such as the right to respect and dignity.
