I had meant to write more on my trip to South Africa last month – but with an election in prospect, there was not much time available so to do. However, I did want to round up a few more points.

One of the things that was clear at every turn – whether through briefings or site visits – was that local delivery is the main problem. There is no real comprehensive coverage or network to deliver AIDS and HIV programmes across the country. There is patchy provision – more holes than patches. Even in Alexandra, the shanty town we visited, various projects led by the Government were capturing some of the people, some were being helped by NGOs and some through their workplaces – but there seemed no surety of pathway into proper care. And this was in a town right next to a rich white area in Johannesburg – let alone out in a poor rural area.

And I guess that was why we were there – to observe how patchy healthcare is – and equally to observe the capability and capacity of these mega corporations who – through trying to ensure a health workforce (and therefore healthy profits) – had developed pretty comprehensive coverage for their own employees and were now extending their care chain to families and down their supply chain.

As far as I could make out (as the South African Government was missing from our briefings), the Government – having denied AIDS / HIV for years – was, despite launching a National Strategy while we were there, still pretty recalcitrant in terms of working with partners and meeting with the business organisations. They seemed only to see them as cash cows – rather than experienced health deliverers with capacity and desire to help.

The second evening we dined with the British High Commissioner, Paul Boetang, at his residence – about twenty invitees. Amongst whom were two kids: AIDS orphans who headed their families and had great dreams – the girl of being a lawyer and the boy a footballer. I was much moved by their bravery. But they were lucky, in that they were picked out by one of the hospices and helped and looked out for.

Anyway, at dinner Paul was asking what we would do when we returned to London to advance the cause. I said that as an opposition politician my role will be to prod our own Government to pressure the South African Government to move forward on their strategy and to work with business parners etc. It was clear, though, that there was some anxiety about me being in any way critical of the South African Government. But I am critical – a critical friend. This South African black government represents the realisation of what we believed in – through all the years of apartheid – and I expect this Government to embrace progress, act for their people and benefit from help that is on offer. This is not a poor country. This is a middle income country – and leaders have to put the well-being of their people first, last and always.

I want the real thing, the vision – not the same old, same old. So – now an election is off the menu – time to table some questions to start that pressure – pin prick though it may be.