Secunda - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, will chair the plenary session of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and embark on an outreach campaign of the HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign in Embalenhle township in Secunda, Mpumalanga on Saturday 8 November 2014.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported in these efforts by among others Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Premier David Mabuza and Sasol Executives. The outreach programme of the HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign is part of a partnership between government, Sasol and other business and seeks to provide Sasol employees, contractors and the surrounding communities with much-needed comprehensive health services.

The national HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign was launched by President Zuma in April 2010 under the theme: “I am responsible, We are responsible and South Africa is taking responsibility” as a call to all citizens to take responsibility for knowing their HIV status, support those who are HIV positive and contribute to the wider response in their communities.

Government has formed strategic partnerships with key sectors, including industry, to ensure the sustainability of the campaign. Since the launch of this campaign in 2010, evidence has shown it has contributed significantly towards saving lives.  

Industry partners including Eskom and Sasol were identified as key stakeholders because major development projects attract job seekers from all over and often commence without provision of requisite social and recreational amenities. This leads to the emergence of informal settlements, a concentration of sex workers and alcohol, all of which have been shown to be key social drivers of the HIV epidemic.

This will be followed by the signing of the pledge of partnership between government and business in the township. Deputy President Ramaphosa, other government leaders and business executives will then embark on a walk-about in the community to encourage members of the public to know their status and to adopt a healthy lifestyle regardless of their HIV status, seek treatment, care and support.

Health services for HIV testing and counselling, hypertension, diabetes, TB and other diseases will be made available to members of the public during the visit.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria