PRETORIA: South African-born, Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron held brief talks with President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria on Monday in her capacity as a UN messenger of peace.

The two discussed South Africa’s response to HIV/Aids and Theron’s role in the fight against the disease.

In 2008, the United Nations named South African-born Theron as its Messenger of Peace, tasked with promoting efforts to end violence against women.

Following their meeting on Monday, Zuma said Theron’s UN humanitarian role continued to give South Africa’s fight against HIV a big boost.

“She has been a pillar of strength in promoting our programs,” Zuma said. “Today has been a very special day with this good citizen of ours joining us, she is representing South Africa in many respects.

“We believe the education of young people goes a long way to prevent any escalation of the disease. That’s what Charlize has been doing,” Zuma said. Theron urged youngsters in South Africa not to stop the conversation on HIV prevention.


“We can never stop talking about this disease,” she said. “If we don’t feel safe in our environment to talk about it, we cannot combat it. We have to create the environment through which the youth of South Africa can talk about this and ask any question.

“It’s always very special to return home and when I’m able to lend my support,” Theron added. “We have come so far in this country with our HIV program. We have the highest number of people who are on HIV treatment, but we still have challenges ... Young girls should be empowered enough to protect themselves ... The school environment should be safe for that to happen.”