Zackie Achmat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zackie Achmat
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Achmat at an Open Society Foundation of South Africa event on police accountability in 2013
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| Born | 21 March 1962 Vrededorp, Johannesburg, South Africa
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| Nationality | South African |
| Alma mater | University of the Western Cape |
| Occupation | Activist, film director |
| Employer | Ndifuna Ukwazi (Dare to Know) |
| Known for | HIV/AIDS activism |
| Political party | Independent |
| Board member of | Ndifuna Ukwazi (Dare to Know) Equal Education |
| Spouse(s) | Dalli Weyers (m. 2008; div. 2011) |
| Parent(s) | Suleiman Achmat and Mymoena Adams |
| Relatives | Taghmeda "Midi" Achmat (sister) |
Abdurrazack "Zackie" Achmat (born 21 March 1962) is a South African activist and film director. He helped start the Treatment Action Campaign. He is famous for his work helping people with HIV and AIDS in South Africa.
He also worked for Ndifuna Ukwazi (Dare to Know). This group helps build and support organisations that work for social justice. He was also the chairperson of Equal Education. In 2024, he ran as an independent candidate in the South African National Elections. He did not win enough votes to become a member of parliament.
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Early Life and Education
Achmat was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He grew up in Salt River during the time of apartheid. His mother and aunt, who were both union representatives, raised him.
He did not finish high school. However, he earned a degree in English literature from the University of the Western Cape in 1992. He also studied filmmaking in Cape Town.
Fighting for Change: Political Activism
Achmat was very active in politics from a young age. He was even put in prison several times for his political actions. He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1980.
He describes his political beliefs as democratic socialist. Even though he was an ANC member, he strongly disagreed with former President Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki and other ANC members did not believe that HIV caused AIDS. Achmat even left the ANC in 2004 because of this.
In 2006, Achmat asked other party members to create better HIV policies. He also called for the Health Minister to be removed. He has also spoken out against President Jacob Zuma and corruption in the ANC.
In the 2024 South African general election, Achmat ran for parliament. He did not get enough votes to win a seat. He said he would continue his political work in the 2026 local elections.
Fighting for Equality: LGBT Rights
Achmat helped start the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality in 1994. As its director, he worked to protect the rights of gay and lesbian people. He helped make sure these protections were in the new South African Constitution.
He also helped with court cases that led to equal rights for same-sex partners. This included their rights in the immigration process.
Helping People with HIV and AIDS
Achmat joined the AIDS Law Project in 1994. He worked there to help people with HIV. He was involved in cases about the rights of prisoners with HIV. He also worked on cases against hate crimes.
In 1998, Achmat helped create the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). This group works to make sure everyone can get medicines for HIV. The AIDS Law Project and TAC work together on legal issues. They fight for the right to health for all.
Standing Up for People with HIV
Achmat announced in 1998 that he was HIV-positive. He said he would not take HIV medicines until everyone who needed them could get them. He started taking the medicines in August 2003. This was after TAC activists asked him to. He began treatment just before the government announced it would provide these medicines.
Westville Prison Protest
In 2006, Achmat and 43 other TAC activists were arrested. They were protesting at government offices in Cape Town. They wanted the Health Minister and Correctional Services Minister to be charged. This was because an HIV-positive prisoner had died at Westville Prison in Durban.
The prisoner was one of 15 who had sued the government. They wanted to be given HIV medicines. The court ordered the government to provide the medicines right away.
Working for Social Justice
In 2008, Achmat helped start the Social Justice Coalition (SJC). This group works to promote rights in South Africa's Constitution. They especially help poor and unemployed people. In 2009, he also helped start Ndifuna Ukwazi (Dare to Know).
In 2013, Achmat and 18 other SJC activists were arrested. They were protesting outside the Cape Town Civic Centre. They were protesting about sanitation services in the township of Khayelitsha.
Personal Life
Achmat was diagnosed with HIV in 1990. In 2005, he had a heart attack. His doctor said it was likely not caused by his HIV or treatment. He recovered and continued his activism.
On 5 January 2008, Achmat married Dalli Weyers, who is also an activist. They divorced in June 2011.
Media and Films
- Achmat's story is in the 2007 book 28: Stories of AIDS in Africa by Stephanie Nolen.
- He is shown as a "Saint" in the 2009 video opera Fig Trees.
- His important role in getting HIV medicines to people is shown in the 2013 documentary Fire in the Blood.
Films Directed by Zackie Achmat
- Apostles of Civilised Vice (2000) – a documentary about homosexuality in South Africa.
- Law and Freedom (2005) – a two-part documentary about important court cases in South Africa.
Films Where Zackie Achmat Appears as Himself
- Jonathan Dimbleby: The AIDS Crisis in Africa (2002)
- Kommt Europa in die Hölle? (English: Is Europe Going to Hell?) (2004)
- Darling! The Pieter-Dirk Uys Story (2007)
- Road to Ingwavuma (2008)
- Fig Trees (2009)
- Fire in the Blood (2013)
Awards and Recognition
- 2001 – Desmond Tutu Leadership Award
- 2001 – People in Need's Homo Homini Award for human rights work
- 2003 – National Press Club (South Africa) Newsmaker of the Year
- 2003 – Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights
- 2003 – Nelson Mandela Health and Human Rights Award
- 2003 – Elected an Ashoka Fellow
- 2003 – Named one of Time's 2003 European Heroes
- 2004 – Voted 61st in SABC3's list of 100 Great South Africans
- 2004 – Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize
- 2009 – Awarded Open Society Fellowship
- 2011 – City of Cape Town Civic Honours
- 2024 – CDC Foundation's Fries Prize for Improving Health
