Reaching Out to Friends

Washington, D.C.

As part of its long-standing relationship with South African leaders, AFSCME has donated $50,000 to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which is committed to developing a strong national infrastructure in his country focusing on three sectors: democracy, education and health care.

On Jan. 8, Sec.-Treas. William Lucy presented a check to Sheila Sisulu, South African Ambassador to the United States. The International is particularly concerned about the spread of AIDS in Mandela's homeland.

"The AIDS situation in South Africa is dire; nearly one-fifth of its population is infected," says Lucy. "AFSCME is strongly supportive in helping our South African brothers and sisters curb the spread of this hideous disease."

The union solidified ties with the country's leadership when the Mandela family participated in AFSCME's 1990 Convention in Miami.