Public protests in South Africa and throughout the world have resulted at last in the shaming, humiliation, and climb-down of the unholy alliance of the pharmaceutical giants who thought they could prevent the South African government from ensuring that cheaper alternatives to brand drugs can be made available for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Had they gone ahead with their court challenge, these multinationals would have had to reveal their pricing policies, profit levels and extent of funding of research into anti-AIDS drugs. Clearly, they were reluctant to reveal such details, and decided not to proceed with the case.

This victory is important. It is a tribute to the outstanding campaign led by the South African Treatment Action Campaign. It is an illustration of that old saying - "Don't agonise - organise". Public protest can succeed against the might of the multinationals. It also shows that the deals quietly sown up at the World Trade Organisation in the interest of the multinationals can be challenged. The refusal of the South African government to be cowed by the WTO provides an important lesson for other third world governments. And it is a tribute to people living with HIV/AIDS who have refused to sit back as passive "patients", but shown the power of organising.

It is also, in a small way, an illustration of how the internet can be used for organising around socially useful programmes rather than being merely a tool for profiteering. The Kabissa-fahamu Newsletter was one of many electronic newsletters that helped to spread the word!