Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will later today, Wednesday 9 March 2016 at 14h00, utilise the opportunity of the interaction with members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to reiterate government programmes to deal with challenges of HIV/AIDS in the country.
 
The briefing to the NCOP takes place against the background of the forthcoming launch of the National Sex Work Sector Plan for HIV on Friday 11 March 2016 in Hillbrow, Johannesburg focussing on the needs of sex workers.
 
The launch of  the programme also forms part of a build-up towards the  2016  International  AIDS Conference to be held in South Africa in July this year which is expected to draw on the support of the HIV/AIDS community, governmental and non-governmental organisations, UNAIDS and health sector activists.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa will further expand on government plans to ensure efficiency and efficacy of state owned enterprises within the frame work of the announcement made by President Jacob Zuma during the state of the nation address that those enterprises that no longer contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the objectives of the National Development Plan will be phased out.
 
Again, Deputy President Ramaphosa will engage with members of the NCOP around issues of wage inequality against the background of current discussions at NEDLAC to find a common ground around the level of the national minimum wage.
 
Among other issues of national importance that Deputy President Ramaphosa will be called to reflect upon will be the National Food Security Plan particularly given the challenges brought about by drought affecting a number of our provinces. Included among other key issues will be a focus on racism, the Marikana tragedy as well as government plans to deal with challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
 

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria