HIV/AIDS RESOURCE CENTRE 

The KZN Department of Transport is proud of the fact that it has taken innovative steps towards addressing the serious problem of HIV/AIDS within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Speaking at the launch of the HIV/AIDS Resource Centre at the Impendle Taxi Rank in Pietermaritzburg today, KZN MEC for Transport, Mr S’bu Ndebele said several studies have revealed that, since all modes of transport ferry people from place to place, they therefore become potential catalysts in the transmission of HIV/AIDS. As a result, the transport industry, among other industries, is also associated with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the province and indeed in the entire country.

In cognisance of the fact that perceptions are rife within our communities that the South African transport industry - especially shipping, trucking and taxis - enjoys a "liberated" lifestyle, and is therefore arguably more susceptible to this pandemic than any other sector, the Department has moved swiftly towards curbing the disease. As one of the ways of addressing the problem of HIV/AIDS, the Department initiated AIDS AWARENESS PROGRAMMES in 2001 through road shows that targeted the trucking and taxi industries. A budget of R800 000 for the 2001/2002 financial year was allocated in order to execute these programmes.  

One of the key components of the programme is the formation of Workplace Committees to take care of the welfare of staff within the various sectors of the transport industry. The Department is working in conjunction with the Department of Health and Petronet to launch eight resource centres for the benefit of the taxi industry across KwaZulu-Natal. These centres will serve as the Taxi Rank Office for a particular region as well as an HIV/AIDS centre for HIV/AIDS counselling and testing. 

The KZN Department of Transport intends establishing HIV/AIDS clinics at its Head Office in Pietermaritzburg as well as at its four regional One Stop Shops located at Empangeni, Ladysmith, Durban and Pietermaritzburg, respectively. 

The Department is currently working with NGO’s, the National Bargaining Council, The Learning Clinic and the KZN Department of Health in setting up HIV/AIDS clinics throughout KwaZulu-Natal. These Centres will be dedicated to the needs of the trucking industry in our Province. As an example, the Tugela Truck Inn Clinic is already up and running and will be officially launched soon.  

For further information and enquiries please contact Mlungisi Ndhlela on 082 5666 781. 

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