Driving HIV awareness

Yamaha aims to highlight the plight of orphans having lost one or both parents from this pandemic and to motivate and encourage Aids orphans to make something of their future and remain positive amid what may seem like a bleak future.

Tidal Wave Productions' director, Peter Matthews says: "Our decision to shoot this commercial is based on the company's commitment to helping these children have a better future."

The commercial features Andile Mnikathi, a 12-year old actor from Durban. Ten other children who have been directly affected by HIV/Aids in some way, and who are residing in and around Durban, were also interviewed during the making of this commercial.

Yamaha will donate R50 for every marine product or motorcycle sold and there is a website address for those who wish to contribute to the upliftment of these children directly.

Jacquie Khumalo, a Social Worker at Highway Hospice in Durban, says: "We at Hospice recognize that there are organizations dealing specifically with the orphan crisis in our country and we do network and refer to these organizations.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that children of the patients for whom we have been caring will be protected and provided with care after the death of their parents. Children have the right to food, education, shelter, recreation and medical care."

The commercial will be aired courtesy of M-Net from February 2006.