“Everything I do has a message”

Brett, 30, is a successful TV producer in Cape Town. He used to work for commercial TV until he discovered that he was HIV +. Anderson committed himself to helping others to live positively with HIV. He now works as a media consultant and educator on HIV/AIDS. We met him at an African training workshop on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights. Anderson was working there as a facilitator. The participants loved him- It´s difficult not to like Brett. He is vital, passionate about his beliefs and fun to be with.

How much information and advice were you able to find after you discovered you were HIV positive?

Brett: My first question was "How long have I got?" because everything I had heard through the media made me think that having the virus meant that I would die soon - the media was not giving anyone hope. I was educated and had many privileges, and yet I was ignorant about HIV/AIDS. I had been given the impression that it was a black persons’ disease

What sort of activities have you been working on since then?

I decided to use my media skills to get my message across. If this meant being a ´poster boy`, so be it.

Brett's face appears on giant posters around Cape Town in which he says: "I know - do you?" as part of a campaign to encourage people to take the HIV test.

`Everything I do carries a message. I believe that the most important part of HIV/AIDS work is the communications strategy.`

Tell us about your projects...

Brett: I did 26 TV messages on HIV/AIDS. One was nominated for a South African Oscar award, the Avanti’s.
I have a sailboat with a giant red ribbon on its sail. I´ve already sailed with it along the South African coast. I now want to use it to cross the Atlantic from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, with an all-HIV-positive crew. My intention is to make a statement....to make a difference!

What advice would you give to other young people wanting to campaign on HIV-AIDS?

Brett: You've got to believe in your message to be able to sell it. It needs to be in your heart. I would not hesitate to call the President if necessary.!

What has been your most rewarding experience?

Brett: The biggest thrill is to go into a township to work with young people and school teachers who appreciate the little things. By now I have spoken to around 90,000 black and white kids! When I talk to young people I don't talk about doom and gloom, I talk to them about their dreams...

Source: www.unesco.com