Edwin Cameron

Justice

Edwin Cameron

Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron examines and defends the role of the law in South Africa's continuing transition. Drawing on his own life experience, including childhood hardship, struggles with sexuality and stigma, he illustrates the power and the limitations of the law. Cameron argues with compelling elegance that the Constitution offers South Africa its best chance for a just future.
'A remarkable integration of fascinating, often moving personal memoir, professional reminiscence and acute historical analysis of South African law, politics and society.' – Sir Sydney Kentridge, QC
'Shows with brilliant clarity how the life of a jurist informs his reading of the law. An inspirational, but never a self-indulgent, story of a remarkable South African life.' – Eusebius McKaiser

Witness to AIDS

Edwin Cameron

The moving and powerful story that stunned South Africa: Edwin Cameron – the first public office holder to disclose he was living with AIDS – writes about his decision, his experience and the struggle that millions face in seeking treatment.
Part memoir, part thought-provoking analysis, this book is a vivid exploration of what HIV/AIDS means – for Edwin Cameron as he faces the possibility of lingering death, for all of us in facing one of the foremost challenges of our time.
He explains his decision to go public and to accept anti-retroviral treatment, in a country beset by «denialism». He takes a critical look at what is so different about African AIDS; at the divergent reactions of Mandela and Mbeki to the crisis; the role of international pharmaceutical companies; the intricacies of «race, sex, death and Africa»; and the impact of South Africa’s largest activist group, the Treatment Action Campaign.
Along the way we come to know a number of remarkable people, among others Gugu Dlamini, killed for owning up to HIV infection; Simon Nkuli, brave activist; the unnamed gardener who «died of shame»; and Zackie Achmat, trusted friend and wily strategist.
Cameron integrates the intensely personal with scientific research and a considered examination of the politics and cultural forces at play, particularly in Africa, in a touching human story which ultimately speaks of hope and possibility.