We are getting mixed messages about AIDS in Africa. Speaking at an African Union meeting in Maputo, Muammar Gaddafi said AIDS was a peaceful virus.

"AIDS, AIDS, AIDS. We hear about nothing else. This is terrorism. This is psychological warfare. AIDS is a peaceful virus. If you stay clean there is no problem," Gaddafi said in an impromptu 45-minute speech - which was supposed to have been a sweet and short thank-you address at the end of the summit.

He added that AIDS and malaria were "God's forces defending Africa" from recolonisation.

"Malaria is not dangerous except when someone infected is bitten and this is passed on. The mosquito is not a dangerous insect in itself.

They are frightening us with these things," he said.

Gaddafi, dressed in an orange, green and red shirt and hooded robe, also took a swipe at the First World assisting Africa in its development.

"They are laughing at us and pretending to be sorting out our problems.

"We are not pupils. We are not children. They say we were not civilised and we did not know God. This is not true. It proves their ignorance.

"There were civilisations in Africa 3,000 years before Christ," he said.

Thabisile Khoza, perhaps you need to convince Mr Gaddafi of the seriousness of AIDS.