The 46664 campaign began in 2003 when Nelson Mandela realised that to reach the youth of the world he needed to engage the support of the people who most appeal to them, in this case by using the power of music. In this speech, Mandela explains further why AIDS is not just a disease it’s a human rights issue.
‘In 2003 I gave permission for the use of my Robben Island prison number FOUR DOUBLE SIX SIX FOUR as a weapon in the struggle against AIDS. I did so remembering how in the long years on Robben Island, we never lost hope. There were indeed dark days, but we held our strength and always knew here were so many people in South Africa and around the world who believed in our struggle for justice.’
All proceeds from the 46664 concerts and campaigns go directly to the 46664-supported projects. So far, the money raised from concerts and affiliated campaigns has been used to finance the ongoing 46664 campaign and to directly fund the three major HIV/AIDS projects in Africa supported by 46664.
The AWDF (African Womens Development Fund) who manage over 400 HIV/AIDS projects across the sub-Saharan continent; the FDC in Mozambizue; and the Goelama project in South Africa. To date over 18 million Rand (fig in US$2 million) has been committed to these three projects alone. Recognising there are no short term solutions to the epidemic, this is a long-term commitment, both by its founder Mr Nelson Mandela, and its ambassadors and partners.