The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, will visit Thekwini TVET College, in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, on 20 June 2016 as part of promoting the First Things First Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS (HEIADS) Programme.  The HEAIDS programme provides a health advisory service that includes HIV testing and counselling, TB and STI screening.

The purpose of the programme is to contribute to the National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS 2012-2016 which seeks to eradicate the scourge of HIV/AIDS in, amongst other areas, institutions of higher learning. It focuses on voluntary HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis testing aimed at students as well as pre and post counselling and other related educational programmes.

The Deputy Minister will be addressing challenges around stigma and discrimination to increase momentum in:

• Reduction of HIV/TB/STI infection rates
• Empowerment of girls and women
• Achievement of greater social equality and cohesion
• Transformation of TVET Colleges

Members of the media are invited to the event scheduled as follows:
Date: Monday, 20 June 2016
Time: 09h00 to 12h30      
Venue: Thekwini College Melbourne Campus, Cnr. Sydney & Blake Rd, Dalbridge, Durban

RSVP and enquires:
Busiswa Gqangeni                                                                                    
Cell: 061 351 2695 / 079 547 5299                                                                  
E-mail: Gqangeni.B@dhet.gov.za