27 February 2003

Time to put on a condom? A South African company has come up with an innovative way to promote awareness of HIV/Aids – by designing and marketing a unique, limited range of wristwatches that make a stylish safe sex statement.

The idea for the Aids Awareness Watches came after a meeting between City Watch International MD Thomas Zilk and South African satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the watches, which come in three funky designs, will go to Aidslink South Africa, an organisation that supports destitute people living with HIV/Aids.

Aidslink chairman Shaun O' Shea says that while some people may find the watches controversial, “they generate discussion and comment, and what better way to create awareness around HIV/Aids. More importantly though, proceeds from the sale of the watches will help Aidslink continue with its vital work of care and support".

City Watch International has been manufacturing and importing custom-made watches for companies in South Africa - Liberty Life, Siemens and BMW among them - for seven years.

Says Zilk: “A wristwatch has to be of very good quality at an affordable price, and most of all the design must be striking. The HIV/Aids watch designs fulfill these requirements.”

The watches come equipped with Swiss movement and fine leather or stainless steel straps, cost R390, and are available online at zest 4 time.com or at Schuberts Alley, the outlet at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre where Aidslink sells its crafts.

SouthAfrica.info reporter

	Trucking against Aids Be faithful - or use a condom Uys tackles Aids HIV/Aids in South Africa

	zest 4 time.com  Aidslink South Africa

Aids Helpline 0800 012 322 Frightened, confused by Aids? South Africa's national Aids Helpline offers multi-lingual, 24-hour, toll-free assistance by trained counsellors accessing the most current data available through a computerised call centre. Backed up by the Aids Helpline website.