The latest additions to his global campaign are American classical and pop music star Josh Groban and Mandoza, an exponent of the local music genre kwaito, reports Xinhua.

Welcoming them to the campaign at the Nelson Mandela Foundation offices here Monday, a jocular Mandela said he would find it a challenge to work with them as he was used to "big old names" in music.

But, on a serious note, he added: "AIDS is a declaration of war against humanity and unless we fight it, it will wipe out a greater section of our communities.

"But there are men and women who would like to be counted first in the fight against AIDS. We hope that people will support them."

Mandela said he was humbled by Groban and Mandoza's dedication.

Groban, best known for his international hit "To Where You Are", said he was honoured to work with Mandela.

"I'm going to avail myself for any concert or event Mandela wants me to do," he said.

Movie stars Will Smith and Brad Pitt, who recently visited South Africa, have also joined the campaign.

South Africa, with a population of 46 million, has over five million HIV/AIDS infected people - the largest in the world.

--Indo-Asian News Service