Please Forgive Me, for I have Sinned – Pastor. 21/5/10
“I admit I made a mistake. It was due to my ignorance.”
By Nonku Khumalo
21 May 2010
Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors’ founder and lead singer Timothy Myeni has apologised for suggesting that HIV-positive people should be branded on their buttocks.
At a press briefing attended by National Association of People Living with Aids and the Creative Workers Union of South Africa at Cosatu House yesterday, Myeni said: “I admit I made a mistake. It was due to my ignorance.”
To make up for his “sins” the pastor of the Evangelical Church in Swaziland listed a number of things he would do to redeem himself.
Firstly, he would buy space in two national newspapers and write a public apology. Secondly, he would record an apology that will be played on a national radio station. And lastly, he would help pay the legal costs incurred by Napwa in trying to fight for their rights by giving them R30000 over the next 18 months.
Nkululeko Nxesi of Napwa accepted the apology on behalf of the organisation.
“We accept the apology on the basis that all conditions will be met. Issues of apology must be done and deadlines must be met.”
Nxesi said Napwa had been mainly affected by the statement because not only were they infected with the virus but many artists are living with Aids .
Myeni also promised he would urge the Swaziland minister of arts and culture to retract his statement that SA artists should be prohibited from performing in that country.
But, Lucky Lukhele of the Swaziland Solidarity Network said: “We accept Myeni’s apology in his capacity as an artist, but he should resign as a member of parliament.”