South African "Denialism" in Historical Context

Thabo Mbeki, until recently president of South Africa, famously 'denied' that there is an causal link between HIV and AIDS, asserting that the epidemic stems from poverty rather than a virus.  Mbeki's most recent biographer, Mark Gevisser, writes that his stance derives from paranoia and a personal crusade against racism.  This paper will discuss the forms that a specific type of discrimination -- cultural racism -- has taken in twentieth century South Africa.  It will examine the growth of ideas alleging that Africans were members of 'unscientific' cultures, unable to take care of their own health and bodies. Their sickness was depicted as resulting from their cultures rather than their poverty. Often with great good will, scientific researchers and practitioners helped disseminate these ideas, which proved useful to a government and an electorate interested in  justifying white domination.  While this paper in no way supports the 'denialism' of former president Mbeki and his followers, it suggests that their stand is best understood within the context of an impassioned reaction against a century of cultural racism.