he Sinikithemba HIV+ Choir is a group of HIV infected Zulu men and women from South Africa, who are part of a support group for persons with HIV/AIDS at McCord Hospital in Durban.  At that hospital approximately 70% of medical admissions are HIV-related, and about 40% of women giving birth are HIV infected.  This progressive leadership at McCord Hospital realized in 1996 that the stigma of AIDS was a major factor for infected persons, and formed Sinikithemba, a support group for persons living with HIV/AIDS- believed to be the first in Sub-Saharan Africa.    

“Sinikithemba” is Zulu for “give us hope” or “we give hope.” For most persons the support group is the only place where they feel it is safe to disclose their HIV status, as they are likely to be ostracized by family and friends if their infection status is publicly disclosed.   The support group is also a source of income for Sinikithemba members, doing Zulu bead work and sewing.  The profits from these endeavors are split- with 50% going to the person who does the work, and 50% going into a common fund that pays for health care for any member who becomes ill.  For many it is their only source of income.  The Sinikithemba HIV+ Choir came into existence because the Sinikithemba members tend to sing as they work, given the rich local choral tradition.   Singing was used as a kind of therapy but they don’t perform in public due to fear of disclosure.   

Twenty-nine members of the Sinkithemba Choir recently participated in the 10^th Annual Retrovirus Conference, the pre-eminent HIV research meeting in the world.   The Choir performed at the Opening Session and shared the stage with William Jefferson Clinton, the 42^nd President of the United States.  The presentation by Ms. Zinhale Thabethe received a standing ovation.  You can hear and read Ms. Thabethe’s speech and listen to the choir’s highlighted performances by visiting the Retrovirus Conference Web site.

In addition, the Sinikithemba Choir recently recorded a CD.  One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the CD goes into a Trust established for the Sinikithemba Choir and support group, and is used to pay for anti-HIV medications.  Through the sale of this CD $9000 has already been raised, which is enough to treat up to 12 persons for one year based on current cost of anti-HIV medications.   

Handcrafted beadwork made by members of Sinikithemba is also available for sale.  All revenues from this project go directly to The Sinkithemba Trust and are key in making drug treatment and medical care available for these courageous and creative people.