Every effort has to be made to ensure that the North West Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA) is inclusive of minorities for it to be representative of the entire North West populace because the HIV and AIDS pandemic is not a black affair, it cuts across all classes and race and gender, North West Premier Thandi Modise said during the recent inaugural meeting of the council held in Mahikeng.
Premier Modise said that the success of the newly constituted PCA will depend on how it manages contradictions, differences and interests of the diverse constituencies represented within the councils.
“The new council has to create and strengthen partnerships for an expanded North West province response among government agencies, non-governmental organisations, donors and people living with HIV and AIDS. Functional structures will intensify the fight against this pandemic and we want the council to do its best and lead, not follow,” Modise said.
Modise appealed to members of council to work through consensus and to put the people of the province first and to be loyal to them irrespective of their political affiliation. She urged them to prioritise filling of vacant posts of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an induction workshop and to strive for compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and all requirements of their founding legislation and audit requirements.
Former Chairperson of the outgone council, Rev Piet Tlhabanyane in his handover presentation report urged the 26-member council that comprises people from religious groups, political parties, civic organisations and people living with HIV and AIDS to identify champions who will be able to assist them to get the message across to the vulnerable age groups and to familiarise themselves with relevant legislation, policies and prescripts in order for them to make a meaningful impact and advise government on HIV and AIDS.
In wishing the council well in executing its functions and thanking Rev. Tlhabanyane for his sterling contribution, Premier Modise announced the appointment of Dr. Danisile Gcinumkhonto, a Mahikeng based medical doctor nominated by the private medical sector to serve on the council as the interim chairperson.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
