1. The new National Strategic (NSP) Plan for HIV, AIDS and TB (2012 – 2016) was launched by the President of the Republic of South Africa on World AIDS Day (1 December 2011). As a contribution to the implementation of the NSP, all national and provincial departments were requested to establish workplace HIV counselling and testing (HCT) sites in the 2012-13 financial year so as to reach all employees and in order to meet the Department of Public Service and Administration’s target of 1,3 million public servants tested.
2. The campaign in the Western Cape is being co-ordinated by the Department of the Premier, in conjunction with the Department of Health, and will commence in August 2012 and end on 31 March 2013. The aim is to have all government employees in the Western Cape Government tested by 31 March 2013. The testing will be conducted by registered health practitioners affiliated to GEMS, as well as non-governmental organisations who are accredited professional providers of employee wellness services and who have signed agreements with the Department of Health. The programme will provide information about HIV and AIDS, guidance and pre- and post-test counselling.
3. The Western Cape Education Department supports the campaign and encourages all employees to participate. The Department is, however, mindful that the campaign should not impact on teaching time at schools and requests all principals either to arrange for the testing to be conducted after school hours at the school or to encourage employees to undergo testing at designated hospitals or clinics. Testing of office-based employees at Head Office and district offices will be arranged by the Directorate: Human Resource Management in consultations with the Head of Education and District Office Directors.
4. The contact details for the HCT service providers are attached as Annexure A and the Transversal HCT Screening Calendar is attached as Annexure B.
5. It would be appreciated if managers would bring this information to the attention of all employees.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2012:09:03

Annexure A: HCT service providers contact details  (size: 61 KB)
Annexure B: Transversal HCT Screening Calendar  (size: 100 KB)