The National Education Health & Allied Workers Union [NEHAWU] acknowledges and recognizes HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue that poses a serious threat to Health, Wellbeing and development of employees, family, stability and socio-economic wellbeing of the country. HIV/AIDS is a Trade Union issue and must be discussed and find space in our worker struggles.

NEHAWU shall ensure that in the process of fighting HIV/AIDS we declare HIV/AIDS a workplace issue and commit itself to create as safe working environment free from potential hazards and the provision of relevant education and training on the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS.

In the workplace HIV and AIDS manifest itself in a form of increase sick leave, absenteeism and deaths. The absence of an HIV and AIDS Workplace policy serves as a major factor contributing towards a situation where employees who are HIV-positive are victimized or their being abused.

Hence the union of Bheki Mkhize and Yure Mdyogolo, NEHAWU, will be having a World Aids Day Event as part of educating and empowering members to recognize HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue and also on the importance of Counselling and Testing.

NEHAWU will be joining the world in raising the awareness and promoting the important of HIV Testing and Counselling and healthy living to all workers. Screening and testing will be done on site. The event shall be held as follows:

Date: Thursday December 1, 2016

Time: 10am

Venue: Madadeni Hospital, Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal

Members of the media are encouraged to attend and to cover the event

For any clarity, please contact:

Ntokozo Nxumalo
NEHAWU Regional Secretary
Cell: 081 525 5983

Nondilileko Ndumela
NEHAWU Gender Officer
Cell: 082 455 2455