Dear friends, Sambonani! (I greet you!)

Thank you all, for the warm welcome you have given us here in Umpumolo. I am grateful for this opportunity to visit you and see the good work being done here, and for the opportunity to join in this church service.

It is a moving experience to walk in the footsteps of the first Norwegian missionaries to Zululand. I have read about the hardships they suffered in a country unknown to them, and their dedication to their mission. I have also read about their fondness and respect for the Zulu people, and of their joy when they could see the results of their work and conduct their first baptism.

These stories are part of your heritage. They are also part of our Norwegian history.

The links that were established through more than a century of missionary work in this area created an interest in the Zulu people which is still alive among Norwegians today. Thousands of Norwegian children have heard stories of the proud people of Zululand in Sunday school.

Modern sociologists are sometimes critical of the early missionaries and their eagerness to reform local habits and traditions. And in some cases, rightly so. We know there were differences between the missionaries and the local population on many issues. Today, most of the Zulus are Christians. At the same time, they retain their proud heritage and unique culture.

The church service this morning was dedicated to the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This deadly disease causes so much pain and suffering. As I also said in the church this morning, it damages families, communities, and the very fabric of society. It strikes the productive part of the population, leaving so many orphaned children behind.

HIV/AIDS is very private. Yet, it affects entire communities. Thus, it has to be addressed in public. And, as I said earlier, it has to be addressed by the church. This is imperative! I am encouraged to see that you are facing up to this challenge.

I am therefore pleased to announce that my Government is ready to offer financial support to combat HIV/AIDS in this community, over several years. This will be done in close cooperation with the local communities and with Norwegian People’s Aid.

It is a particular pleasure to be accompanied here by His Excellency, Vice-President Jacob Zuma. I understand that, among his many duties, he chairs the new national committee on HIV/AIDS. This demonstrates that the Government of South Africa is giving this issue very high political priority.

I am confident that the committee will prove to be a powerful tool in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. Norway will continue its support for these efforts.

The diocese here have numerous church buildings and an important historical heritage in its hands. I know that you are concerned that this be taken good care of. The Norwegian and South African environmental authorities have entered into a co-operative agreement, which – among other things – also covers cooperation in the field of cultural heritage.

Within the framework of this program it may be possible to seek assistance for your efforts to take care of and preserve this heritage.

I am grateful to have this opportunity to meet with you before I continue towards Eshowe. Let me once again thank you, and end by saying to you all:

Hamba kahle! (Go well!)