Durban – South Africa Deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa left the podium after making a speech at the 8th South African Aids Conference on Thursday, and proceeded to thank a group of silent protesters for "being so orderly" and raising an important message.
Rampahosa, who is also the chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (Sanac), was giving an address on the last day of the conference taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Conference Centre in Durban.
As Ramaphosa started talking, a small group of men and women quietly flanked the stage, holding up posters asking why the issue of sex work being decriminalised was removed from the new five-year National Strategic Plan (NSP) on HIV, AIDS and STIs.
The activists held their posters high as Ramaphosa descended the podium after his speech and made his way to them.
He urged them to continue making their requests known so that he could take their message to Cabinet.
"I would like to thank you for holding these placards up because you are sending a message. So rather than me being upset, I thank you for doing this in the orderly and professional manner that you have. We will listen to all of the views expressed by South Africans," he said.
Ramaphosa urged the activists to "get as many comments from as many people as you can", telling them that when the issue of sex work being decriminalised was raised in cabinet, their views would be heard.
During his address, Ramaphosa had praised activists for their "determination, courage and selfless activism" in refusing to submit to injustice and ignorance about the AIDS pandemic.
"The spirit of June 16 lives on in those who have come to this conference," he said.
"Since democracy, we have been on a quest to respond to myriad problems confronting our society. The National Development Plan is the master plan to build South Africa, transform the economy, expand job-creating initiatives and build a more cohesive society in SA."
Dep President Cyril Ramaphosa talking about the National Strategic Plan 2017-2022 #NSP @SAAIDS2017 #SAAIDS2017^eN5 pic.twitter.com/UYVlNUjO15
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) June 15, 2017
The deputy president,Healtg minister &health MEC are at the Department of Health stand #SAAIDS2017 pic.twitter.com/qsLHrz6Bhh
— BWise (@BWiseHealth) June 15, 2017
#Mbokodo we are lead #reproductivejustice #decriminalisesexwork #SAAIDS2017
Our struggles are linked @drtlaleng @_SRJC @SweatTweets pic.twitter.com/WzYIgw0M3I
— marionstevens (@marionwish) June 15, 2017
"These initiatives will only continue if we work together as social partners," he said.
"Your contribution to the NSP for HIV, TB and STIs is an example of a strong social compact," he told the audience.
"The new NSP equips us and strengthens our resolve as far as interventions to drive down new HIV and TB infections."
Ramaphosa said that huge gains had been made, but it was common knowledge that there were persistent high levels of new infections, with adolescent girls and young women being disproportionately affected.
South Africa must continue to focus on prevention, he said, which was the most critical pillar of all of the endeavours that could be taken.
He said that the NSP enjoined South Africans to respond to the needs of marginalised populations and said that government welcomed the national plan for LGBTI communities, which was launched on Wednesday night.
"We vigorously support this plan," he said. He urged young people to "embark on a long walk to prevention to ensure a prevention revolution".
"This generation of South African youth are duty-bound to make history, like the youth of 1976. They must end the spread of a disease that often stands between them and their dreams and their future."
"Today's youth have strong and powerful allies, they have an interconnected global village and can use social media to promote prevention and healthy lifestyles. They can use social media to remind their friends to always practice safe sex," he said.
"We applaud the youth for being outspoken, innovative and holding political leadership to account," he said.
Ramaphosa said he was glad to see and hear so many initiatives focusing on violence against women at the conference.
This violence was "inexcusable and reprehensible", he said.
"Confronting violence against women is a task all South Africans must take up, particularly men. Men must say 'No, not in my name'."