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AIDS in
Africa: An African and Prophetic Perspective by
Dr. Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo. Foreword by Ambassador Mary Kanya. (Gateway, 68 pages, US 19.50, softbound)
A highly recommended new book for those in family, NGOs, government,
and education working against HIV/AIDS. The author Mankekolo has
excellent credentials in her various perspectives: African, feminist,
medically trained, theologically trained, and community/pastoral
oriented.
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"Failure to contain this epidemic in Africa will
inevitably affect the whole of humanity. Fortunately, Rev. Dr. Mankekolo
Mahlangu-Ngcobo in this wonderful book gives us the inspiration and the
wisdom, which leads us to the path of HOPE, HELP AND HEALING."
"Introduction" to
AIDS in
Africa
Excellency Mary Kanya,
Swaziland Ambassador to the USA
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" The Rev. Dr. Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo is the
founder pastor of Kalafong A.M.E.Church in Baltimore. Her names are
South African - she grew up in Soweto, a Christian, and in youth went
into exile after protesting apartheid. In USA since 1981, she has earned
degrees from Morgan, Johns Hopkins (public health), St Mary's Seminary,
and United Theological Seminary. On AIDS she is an authority.
As the count from that pandemic accelerates, passing 25 million dead in
a continental population approaching 800 million, Mahlangu-Ngcobo's
impulse to cry out has resulted in a book
AIDS in
Africa: An African and Prophetic Perspective .
She explains viruses and the immune system: she
allows for the traditional....African family, for tribal health [its
knowledge and its limitations], for the new impoverished urbanization.
She condemns female circumcision. She counsels abstinence or
postponement, [but recognizes that some people will need to use condoms].
She bears in mind . . . the many believers in Islam, in spiritism, --
Africans have many names for God -- Modimo, Thixo, Mungu, Oluwa, Chineke....,
And for lingering, painful, unnecessary death."
James H. Brady
BALTIMORE SUN
Sept 9, 2001
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Dr. Ngcobo passionately writes that the war against
HIV and AIDS must be a collective initiative between families,
governments, non-governmental organizations, churches and the community.
She examines the role of each of these entities, and shows how through
the proper information and explanation, the many myths and taboos that
surround this disease can be eradicated . . .
"I want people to talk more about this disease,
change their behavior and be responsible for their bodies", she
says. . .She goes on to describe the HIV virus and its effects on the
body....in a way that gives new light and adds a parable to drive the
point home....she stresses the role of the family as one of the most
important points.
" First we have to back to the position in
African family culture of respecting women and girls. They need to be
empowered, as they are homer and community builders.. Secondly, African
men must protect the ..family. Today African men cannot afford to expose
their daughters and wives to danger."
Another group she targets is the African faith communities. . . . Dr.
Ngcobo visited a young man with HIV in his last days. He was initially
cranky and irritable, but through her prayers and compassion, his heart
was softened and he died telling his sister to let the minister know he
was at peace with God.
She concludes the book with a prophetic sermon and
passionate prayer for Africa. [and a moving rewriting of the beatitudes,
directing them toward people with AIDS and their caregivers].
"Through prayer, prophetic messages, personal responsibility and
the involvement of the government, churches, and business, we can give
hope and healing to Africa."
Leah L. Lakins
Baltimore
Afro-American
August 25-August 31, 2001
Rev. Dr. Mankekolo Mahlango-Ngcobo is the pastor
of Kalafong AME Mission church in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the
first black South African woman to receive a Doctor of Ministry
degree. She is an educator, author, consultant in health and
international social justice.
Correspondence and orders : (US $19.50)/M.
Mahlangu-Ngcobo/3315 Mondawmin Ave./Baltimore, MD 21215, USA/mankekolo@aol.com/(in
Canada to kirkwood@web.ca)
http://www.orgsites.com/md/kalafong-ame-mission-church/index.html
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