HIV/AIDS is a Workplace Issue and Openness is the Way To Go

On Friday 14 December 2018, management and staff from eThekwini Region filled the Lecture Hall at Mayville with courageous, dauntless and vivid preparedness as they dedicated a special but precious hour in commemoration of the World Aids Day. It was a period where messages of comfort to those affected and infected by HIV and AIDS remained shared through songs, memories and prayers. Nokubonga Mhlongo, the Regional Head for Human Resource Management (HRM) together with Nandipha Mathonsi the Regional Employee Health and Wellness Practitioner, including Velaphi Phewa, the Regional Deputy Director for Immovable Asset Management, were the centrepiece of such a heart-warming, soul stirring but life encouraging occasion.

The event’s programme was well structured and meticulously coordinated by Mpume Thungo, from the Finance Unit, who also reminded all guests in attendance that the ‘awareness’ part of the HIV/AIDS campaign continue to instil an understanding on the real facts about HIV and using the knowledge to inform our behaviour. Nomfundo Khuzwayo, the Human Resource Practitioner, became the cornerstone, anchor and bedrock of the event as she rendered a sensational, captivating but winning poem. “HIV/ AIDS. It is here to stay”, this was one monostich of her poem.

David Arnajalem’s prayer session has been so touching but relevant that it inculcated more awareness to all employees and guests on the stigma about HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Nandipha’s key message was so pertinent. She filled confidence and strength to those affected and infected, including their families and friends that people with HIV could find it quite difficult to share with others about their status. Making HIV/AIDS a workplace issue affords the workforce opportunities to ensure that everybody finds a way to deal with the rejection from colleagues, families and friends or even the experience of finding new employment, verbal and physical abuse. Candle lighting session brought solace, relief and warmth in peoples’ hearts as Phindile Yaka led the throng with the National Anthem.

Acting aware helps the Public Works’ employee workforce to ensure that everyone affected and infected by HIV is treated fairly, with respect and understanding. It is time for employees to realise that HIV and AIDS is a pandemic that can potentially affect everyone and is not confined to specific population group.

Message from the MEC


 

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