The "Live the Future" scenarios were brought to life in 2006. At the time, our current chairman was the chief executive officer of Metropolitan Group. His words below were as effective and appropriate then, as they are now:..

Some may think that the ability to predict the future is a powerful gift; however, greater power lies in being able to create the future. This statement also describes the essence of scenario planning.

Instead of predicting the future of HIV and AIDS in South Africa, Metropolitan believes that building scenarios can help South Africans shape the future effect of the HIV and AIDS epidemic on our country.

Our current lack of coordinated action and collaboration, and ongoing denial and conflict, are in any event already shaping a future scenario for us. The time to debate whether or not we have a problem has long passed. The time has come for us to grasp the problems

presented by HIV and AIDS and break its stranglehold of fear, stigma, denial, dissent and destruction that it holds over our people and our leaders. Many people believe that scenario planning was one of the key catalysts that unlocked the miracle of socio-political transition in South Africa. Why not be bold and believe in another miracle? These scenarios might provoke debate and even disagreement. If so, bring it on! It is only through robust dialogue that we can begin to shape our future.

We therefore invite contributions, discussion and especially proposals on what actions we must take now to shape our future. What is really important is not the accuracy of the scenarios, but the determination of the actions we take now as a result of seeing scenarios of a possible future.

The exercise will therefore be futile if it does not lead to some form of action. The many people that have been involved in developing these scenarios had one common passion - to

see action, save lives, reduce unnecessary suffering, and to reduce the negative impact of a preventable and increasingly treatable virus. But who must take the action? The simple answer is you. We need all sectors of our society to collaborate in this effort, be it government, business, labour or civil society. What actions must be taken? We must communicate. We must prevent new infections.

We must provide treatment and care. We must reduce the negative consequences of the epidemic. We must get rid of stigma and discrimination.

We must collaborate to find and establish workable solutions. We hope that these scenarios will help to create a future where, together, we can beat HIV and AIDS.

Peter Doyle
Acting chairman
Metropolitan Foundation