December 1st is International AIDS Day. AIDS is currently ravaging much of Africa. Poverty, ignorance and social and cultual factors all contribute to the problem. It takes money to support family planning and to purchase condoms, and to educate people about how the disease is transmitted.

This AIDS quilt, unveiled at the opening of the Parliament, has travelled around the world commemorating AIDS victims. Each person is represented by a section of the quilt, decorated with words, pictures and prayers put together by their families, friends and loved ones.

Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo presided over the Aids Quilt Ceremony in Company Gardens. She said that 19% of the people in South Africa are HIV positive. Millions of children have been orphaned by the disease, and we are only beginning to see the devastation to come. It is estimated that by 2005, there will be 2 million AIDS orphans in South Africa.

Despite these shocking statistics, it is considered taboo in many societies - in Africa and elsewhere - to talk about AIDS, and especially to publicly admit to having it. We need to start talking openly about the problem. But open dialogue will only happen if our society can find compassion for those afflicted.

A beautiful Cape Town summer day dawned for the opening of the Parliament. Some dignitaries of the Parliament sheltered from the 35 deg C (100 deg F) heat under colourful umbrellas.

Many Dignitaries received small quilts of their own.

Despite the sweltering heat, thousands of Parliament delegates came to show their support.