'We can beat Aids together'

2004-08-30 22:32

Shoks Mzolo

Johannesburg - The South African government feels that the battle against HIV/Aids can be won if all spheres of society - civil, public and private sectors - work together, says deputy president Jacob Zuma.

Zuma, who is the chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (Sanac), was speaking at the launch of Unilever''s new corporate brand and mission at Constitutional Hill.

He said the future prosperity of Africa depended on the eradication of the HIV/Aids scourge.

Unilever national manager for South Africa Gail Klintworth handed a toolkit to Zuma and Nepad business group chairperson Reuel Khoza.

It was developed in partnership with the South African Business Coalition on HIV and Aids, (Sabcoha) - a member of Sanac.

The toolkit offers small businesses a complete response to dealing effectively with this critical issue.

Rolling out toolkit in 16 countries

It is expected to enable a middle manager or small-business owner to set up an HIV/Aids programme effectively.

Unilver has committed itself to roll out the HIV/Aids tool-kit in 16 African countries.

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

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

Hails the private-sector role

He said the campaign against the pandemic was one investment in which the government continued calling for active partnerships with the business community and all sectors.

Klintworth said while there have been numerous interventions, only concerted, collective action by various parties such as all spheres of society and the international community, could put a stop to the devastating impact on human lives of HIV/Aids.

Zuma hailed the role that the private sector continued to play in the fight against HIV/Aids and added that Sanac brought together several sectors and government in a national co-ordinated partnership against Aids.

- I-Net Bridge (News24)