Zackie Achmat
Zackie Achmat was born in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa on March 21st, 1962 and is the Director. At the age of 62, Zackie Achmat biography, profession, age, height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, measurements, education, career, dating/affair, family, news updates, and networth are available.
At 62 years old, Zackie Achmat physical status not available right now. We will update Zackie Achmat's height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, and measurements.
Abdurrazack "Zackie" Achmat (born 21 March 1962) is a South African activist and film producer.
He is a co-founder of the Treatment Action Campaign and is known around the world for his work on behalf of people living in South Africa with HIV and AIDS.
He currently serves as both a Board member and Co-director of Ndifuna Ukwazi, an organization that strives to develop and sustain social justice organisations and leaders, as well as the Chairperson of Equal Education.
Early life and education
Achmat was born in Vrededorp, Johannesburg, to a Muslim Cape Malay family, and grew up in the Cape Coloured community in Salt River during apartheid. He was raised by his mother and aunt, who were both shop stewards for the Garment Workers Union.
He did not matriculate, but received a BA Hons degree in English literature from the University of the Western Cape in 1992 and studied filmmaking at the Cape Town Film School.
Personal life
In 1990, Achmat was identified as HIV positive. In 2005, he had a heart attack, which his doctor said was unlikely to be attributed to his HIV-positive status or treatment. He recovered well enough to resume his activism duties.
Achmat married fellow and fellow activist Dalli Weyers at a service in Lakeside, Cape Town. Mayor Helen Zille presided over the service and Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Edwin Cameron presided over it. In June 2011, the couple divorced amicably.
Recognition and awards
- 2001 – Desmond Tutu Leadership Award
- 2001 – People in Need's Homo Homini Award for human rights activism
- 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 by the Quaker humanitarian group American Friends Service Committee
- 2009 – Awarded Open Society Fellowship
- 2011 – City of Cape Town Civic Honours