The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) joins millions of South Africans and the world in celebrating World Aids Day today 1st of December 2015. The NUM is highly impressed by the commitment, dedication and progress made by the government in fighting against the pandemic head-on.

Mineworkers are particularly vulnerable to the spread of HIV because they live in an environment where venereal diseases (VD) and tuberculosis, both of which interacted with it, often lethally, are not only firmly established but are spreading. The combination of those diseases with HIV constituted the greatest threat to their health.

Historically, mineworkers were made to live in single-sex hostels leaving their families and spouses in far-flung villages. That had a terminal impact on the mining industry and mineworkers in particular. HIV/AIDS remains the worst enemy to affect millions of mostly impoverished people in the country. Mineworkers remain the most affected group due to the migration system through which workers spend many months away from their loved ones.

The single-sex hostel systems which are still being used by some mines remain one of the biggest hurdles towards the ultimate emancipation of mineworkers.

The NUM will continue in its campaign of encouraging its members and society to heed the call to test and live positive lifestyles. The NUM appeals to the South African public to remain vigilant and united in the fight against HIV/Aids and to work with the government in dealing with the stigma where it exists.

Issued by The National Union of Mineworkers