Date: 30/08/2004
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: Launch of Unilever vitality brand & HIV/AIDS toolkit for small businesses


ADDRESS BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA AT THE LAUNCH OF UNILEVER VITALITY BRAND AND HIV/AIDS TOOLKIT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, Constitution Hill, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 30 August 2004

The Chairperson of Unilever South Africa, Gail Klintworth,
The President of Unilever Africa Business Group, Doug Baillie,
The Chairperson of NEPAD Business Group, Reuel Khoza,
Members of the South African National Aids Council present,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Partnerships between business and governments, particularly in developing countries, are critical in promoting economic growth and social development.

In addition, in the developing world, especially our continent, there are always expectations that the business sector should not only seek profits, but should also invest in the social upliftment of the communities in which they do business, as that ensures the sustainability of the business enterprise.

The campaign against HIV and AIDS is one investment in which we as government continue to call for active partnerships with the business community and all sectors. The fight against the epidemic is a gigantic task which government cannot be expected to execute alone. That is why we regard today's launch of an HIV-AIDS toolkit by Unilever as an important business contribution.

Within our country, the business sector continues to play a meaningful role in the fight against AIDS. Our presence here for example, should not come as a surprise given the strong partnership and role of the business community within the South African National Aids Council, (SANAC). The Council brings together several sectors and government in a national co-ordinated partnership against AIDS.

The toolkit being launched today was developed in partnership with the South African Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS, (SABCOHA), a member of SANAC.

Our partnership with business in the fight against HIV and AIDS is valuable, critical and unavoidable. Both business and government have the common objective of protecting the health of our nation, for this is a key to socio-economic development and of the consolidation of our democracy.

We work together as business and government to ensure an effective and co-ordinated response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic, because we know the tragic long-term consequences of this epidemic, were it to be left unchecked, especially as it tends to attack the youth, the future of our country.

While a lot is being done already, corporate citizens can still improve their contribution by intensifying awareness campaigns, supporting workers who are on HIV/AIDS treatment, promoting respect for the human rights of the infected and in the ongoing search for a vaccine.

Included in the promotion of the human rights of the infected is the creation of the right environment for workers to be able to declare their status in full confidence that their condition will be treated in a manner that is truly private and confidential, and that they would not be victimised.

A new value system needs to be developed by all employers in our country when it comes to the issue of HIV and AIDS, to demonstrate caring and supporting the infected.

We face the challenge of changing our mindsets as employers, to stop regarding infected employees as liabilities in terms of high expenditure on medical aids, loss of working hours and absenteeism when they have to undergo HIV and AIDS treatment or counselling. The epidemic is upon us and we need to respond constructively and not vindictively in the workplace.

Collaboration with communities from which the workforce is drawn is crucial.

In this regard, there is a need for employers to enter into partnerships with different communities, by supporting existing NGOs in those areas, or by establishing community outreach projects, so that the support that workers receive at work does not only end there, but is extended to communities where they stay.

There is also a need for big business to look at the issue of appointing full time HIV and AIDS Co-ordinators with sufficient budgets to lead effective interventions within the workplace. Campaigns conducted at shop-floor level are bound to have a positive effect given the proximity and the size of the audience.

It is also important for us all to continue looking for solutions. Today's launch of the contribution of Unilever in the fight against HIV and AIDS, through the development of the toolkit for small businesses is a positive development.

A welcome development as well is that the chairpersons of each of Unilever's 16 businesses in Africa will work with relevant HIV and AIDS groups to roll out the toolkit in their home countries.

The fight against the AIDS epidemic is a matter that is uppermost on the agenda of African political leaders.

The health strategy of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), and indeed that of regional economic communities in the continent are all cognisant of the need to respond decisively to the epidemic so that we can achieve the sustainable development we seek for Africa.

The NEPAD Business Group, represented by its chairperson, Mr Reul Khoza of Eskom here today, would attest to the fact that partnerships with big business in the fight against AIDS should be continental, as we are one people whose destinies are intertwined.

Allow me, ladies and gentlemen to congratulate Unilever on the launch of its new brand mission. I have noted that you have decided that we should know more about the company behind the cosmetics, food and all the products we consume! We wish you well in this new direction.

Let us all continue to roll up our sleeves to fight to make an impact in the fight against HIV and AIDS and to work for a healthier and prosperous Africa.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
30 August 2004