Nelson Mandela, Durban

When Nelson Mandela addresses the International AIDS Conference in Durban, his presidential successor, Thabo Mbeki, is at the centre of controversy over AIDS denialism and inaction. Mandela uses his speech to urge all parties to set aside the dispute and refocus on the immense crisis at hand. The speech marks the beginning of his total commitment to tackle HIV. Later, in 2005, his last surviving son, Makgatho, dies of AIDS-related complications – something Mandela announces publicly in an effort to tackle the ongoing stigma around HIV.