Labour on staff HIV status

14 July 2006

Eighty eight percent of the Department of Labour staff was found to be
healthy and HIV negative, according to the results of an internal study just
released.

The results were contained in the Director-General’s report disclosed by
Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana at a certificate handing ceremony to 88
staffers who spearheaded the Department’s prevalence study.

The event also coincided with the Department’s annual evaluation meeting
attended by the top brass north of Pretoria.

“This study shows that we are beginning to deal with the challenge of
HIV/AIDS as the Department. I am happy that this study has revealed that 88
percent of our staff is healthy. Our greatest challenge is to ensure that this
figure does not drop. We must make condoms available. In fact you may not know
that it is very nice with condoms,” he said.

The Minister warned the staff to heed HIV/AIDS educational messages.

“It is through these nice things that we often get into difficulties. We
also know that many people are scared to know their status so that they can
adjust their behaviour accordingly,” he said.

Minister Mdladlana said time has come for people to know that there is no
cure for HIV/AIDS.

“Anti-retrovirals are not the cure as they can only delay the onset of the
disease,” he said.

The study was conducted among 1 600 staffers throughout the country.

The Minister said the Department would continue with the HIV/AIDS awareness
campaign focusing on prevention.

Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168

Issued by: Department of Labour
14 July 2006