Nkosi's Haven
| Nkosi Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Xolani Nkosi 4 February 1989 Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Died | 1 June 2001 (aged 12) Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Other names | Nkosi Johnson |
| Known for | HIV/AIDS Activism |
| Notable work | Nkosi's Haven |
Nkosi's Haven is an NGO in the Johannesburg, South Africa area that offers residential, holistic care and support for mothers and their children whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Nkosi’s Haven also provides support for orphans, HIV/AIDS affected or not. It aims to improve the productivity of their residents through providing access to medical care, therapy, education and skill building workshops. The goal is to empower residents while providing a safe, dignified home in hopes that all mothers and children are able to become responsible and contributing members of society.
Nkosi’s Haven was named after Nkosi Johnson, an AIDS activist who dedicated his life to ensuring that mothers and their children are kept together under the belief that no mother should have to leave her child due to HIV diagnosis. It is a recognized non-governmental organization that is largely funded by international donors and governmental organizations. Funding is allocated to assist accommodations, which include housing, food, water, medication, and hospice care. It also assists with education costs such as school fees, uniforms, and other expenditures. Residents share household tasks among themselves, including tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and childcare.
At the time of inception, it was the first and only care centre in South Africa that provided residential care for mothers living with HIV/AIDS and their children.
“Through all of the work we do, we ensure that our residents learn how to live with AIDS, not die from it.” Nkosi's Haven has built a home in which residents can live free from prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS and children can grow into self-sufficient and responsible members of society.
Nkosi’s Haven was named after Nkosi Johnson, a young AIDS activist who died on International Children’s Day in 2001. Born Xolani Nkosi, Nkosi was infected with HIV through mother-to-child transmission. Nkosi and his mother were admitted to an AIDS care centre in Johannesburg, where they met Gail Johnson, a volunteer worker.
Due to financial restraints, the care centre that Nkosi and his mother were living in closed down. Nkosi’s mother’s health was deteriorating rapidly and she was unable to keep Nkosi due to her health conditions and financial dependency. She also feared that the community would find out that both herself and Nkosi were HIV positive and exile them. As a result, Gail Johnson took Nkosi into her care, changing his name to Nkosi Johnson, and became his legal foster mother.
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