At first glance, Gail Johnson appears to be a no-nonsense woman on a mission, which is in part true, but she also has a heart of gold. In the 1980s, there were many unknowns about AIDS, and even less was known about the disease in South Africa. Black women in South Africa were especially shunned and left by friends and family to suffer alone.

Nonthlanthla Daphne Nkosi gave birth to Xolani Nkosi on February 4, 1989, and like many other women in South Africa was positive for HIV. The disease was passed on to her son, Nkosi, during childbirth. He survived past his second birthday, which is rare for HIV-infected babies, but his mother became too weak to care for her son.

After meeting Daphne and Nkosi at an AIDS care center in Johannesburg, Gail Johnson became Nkosi’s foster (and later adoptive) mother. She provided him with medical care, ample food, and a home and made it her mission for him to attend school. At the age of 8, Nkosi was refused admission to school because of his HIV status. Instead of giving up, Gail went public with her objections and won her case. Nkosi was school bound.

Gail Johnson helped Nkosi become a national figure and activist in the AIDS crisis. “Nkosi’s fight to help AIDS came to head in July 2000 at the 13th International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa” (Journey to South Africa). At just 11 years old, Nkosi held the room in the palm of his hand as he shared his story. “Care for us and accept us -- we are all human beings...We are all the same.”

At the age of 12, Nkosi passed at Gail’s house, the place he called home for 9 years. Gail named her Haven after the little boy that ultimately changed her life. Nkosi’s Haven serves as a refuge and support system for women and children that have been affected by AIDS. It became the first of its kind at the time of its outset. The children are treated how every child would want to be treated. Hugs, kisses, and playtime are abundant, and medical care and food are provided.

Though sarcastic and blunt at times (and the mouth of a sailor), Gail Johnson lives a life of selflessness. Everything she does is for the women and children in her Haven. They are her family, and the Haven is her home. The buildings are painted in bright reds, yellows, and blues to spread the vision and mission of hope. The future appears bright here.

Gail remarked about Nkosi, “I’d love for him to talk to me just one more time…” Ultimately, Gail and Nkosi learned from each other. Nkosi learned from Gail’s love and selflessness, and Gail learned from Nkosi’s passion. Both of their missions live on at Nkosi’s Haven.