Issued by: Office of the Presidency
13 May 2002
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) issued a statement today questioning the commitment of government to SANAC due to the non-attendance of some Ministers at the special SANAC meeting on Saturday, 11 May 2002. The primary objective of this special meeting was to brief SANAC members on the special Cabinet discussion on HIV/AIDS of 17 April.
We wish to point out that most of the ministers, including the Minister of Health were out of the country and therefore unable to attend. As they were part of the 17 April Cabinet discussions, the Ministers are fully conversant with the contents of the Saturday discussion.
Fedusa also questioned the formation of the Presidential Task Team on AIDS saying it might be an attempt to bypass SANAC. The formation of the Presidential Task Team on Aids is aimed specifically at strengthening government structures dealing with HIV/AIDS, as was explained by Deputy President Jacob Zuma to members of SANAC on Saturday. He made it clear that the task team is not a replacement for SANAC, and he reiterated the importance of SANAC as the highest body advising government on HIV/AIDS.
The Council is constituted by government and civil society in partnership.
The point raised by FEDUSA with regards to the lack of representation of some sectors in SANAC is valid and has featured in previous discussions within SANAC. It has been agreed within SANAC that this matter, together with other operational matters, should be discussed at a special SANAC workshop next month, which will deal with the restructuring of the Council.
The core group of Ministers and government as a whole remain steadfast in their commitment to SANAC and the overall fight against HIV/AIDS.
For more information please contact Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575.