[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

17 March 2004

The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) met in Pretoria today, 17 March 2004.

The Council discussed a wide range of issues and activities with the purpose of further enhancing the country's response to the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS.

Among the issues discussed were the following:

A. Government policy with regard to pre-recruitment testing by the SANDF

Following a concern raised by the AIDS Law Project on behalf of the Legal and Human Rights Sector, the Council was briefed by the Department of Defence on its HIV/AIDS programme, including pre-recruitment testing.

The Council deliberated on the challenges of balancing human rights issues with military demands on individuals. The Council established a sub-committee to discuss the issue further and report back to SANAC. The sub-committee was also mandated to look into related issues.

The members of the subcommittee comprise representatives from Labour, People Living with AIDS, Departments of Health and Defence, the Sports sector, and the Legal and Human Rights sector.

B. Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care and Treatment Plan

The Council received a briefing on the Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Plan for South Africa, currently being implemented by government.

The meeting commended the work already done by government regarding the Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care and Treatment Plan and its implementation. The Council acknowledged the challenges facing the country regarding the implementation, and resolved that all sectors should engage more with the plan and work out ways of providing practical support to government with regards to implementation.

SANAC also discussed the current interaction between the Treatment Action Campaign and government regarding the implementation of the Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care and Treatment Plan. SANAC referred the matter to the Executive Committee to assist, if necessary, in the finding of a solution on an urgent basis.

Establishment of Executive Committee

The following were appointed as members of the SANAC Executive Committee:

Government
* Deputy President Jacob Zuma
* Minister of Health, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
* Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Thoko Didiza
* Minister of Education, Kader Asmal
* Minister of Public Service and Administration, Geraldine Fraser Moleketi
* Minister of Social Development, Zola Skweyiya

Civil Society
* People Living With AIDS - Vuyani Jacobs
* Non-government organisations sector, Lindiwe Bonga
* Youth, Sizwe Shezi
* Business sector - Gaby Magomola
* Academic sector, Prof Brian O'Connel
* Sport Sector, Dr Victor Ramathesele

Enquiries: Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575

Issued by: Chairperson of the South African National Aids Council, Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

17 March 2004