HIV/AIDS

Brief Report on the KZN Provincial Activities

  1. On 3 May 2002 a Kidaco (KZN Inter-Departmental Aids Committee) meeting was held at the Durban Regional Office for Health. This is a committee where all the Provincial Departments are represented – each department had to give a report about its HIV/AIDS activities with the intention of finding out who is doing what, where and when? The idea is to share experiences so as to put a joint effort in the fight against the HIV/AIDS Pandemic. Further meetings are to be held on 5 July 2002, 6 September 2002 and 8 November 2002.
  1. The 19th of May was the National Candlelight Memorial Day, which is commemorated internationally, and was held at Jozini Stadium. The occasion was graced by the presence of Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, his Majesty King Zwelithini and part of Umuzi Wezinsizwa cast. The message was loud and clear – "Let us not discriminate against people living with HIV/AIDS."
  1. The Department of Public Service and Administration of the RSA has taken upon itself to co-ordinate a consultative workshop on HIV/Aids in the workplace:

A guide for Government Departments
This proposed workshop forms part of broader process of consultation that will form the basis for the development of HIV/Aids in the workplace.
This workshop was held on 21 May 2002 and it was very informative.

  1. Our partnership with the KZN Department of Health and HIV/AIDS Action Unit is still on course. We managed to secure eight (8) containers which are going to be used as resource centres, courtesy of Petronet. These are going to be placed strategically at the taxi ranks, still to be identified, for the use of both commuters and the taxi industry people. We hope to have delivered these containers by the end of June 2002.
  1. The distribution of reading materials and the supply of condoms is going very well. The Road Shows that were conducted seem to have had a positive impact on the taxi people since they are now interested in having their drivers educated about the repercussions of unsafe sex.

Our facilitator, Mr Colin Ndlovu, is doing a marvelous job at the regions and districts. He is responsible for the training and awareness campaigns for Transport employees. This has been a worthwhile exercise.

  1. Unfortunately, the problem of funding keeps on rearing its ugly head. We have submitted our proposal to the Head of Department for assessment, but things seem to be moving at a snail’s pace. There are positive signs, though, but the delays are crippling the anticipated progress. We hope to overcome this problem the moment we get funding, so as to continue with our programme for this financial year.
  1. I am happy to report that the Department's HIV/AIDS committee has been set up and the workplace policy is in the process of being finalised.

 

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