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A broad representation of the private sector, along with Government and civil society representatives, gathered at the Western Cape Business Sector Conference on HIV/AIDS and Wellness in Stellenbosch in May to co-create a coordinated business response to HIV and AIDS in the province.

The South African Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS (SABCOHA) made the decision, at the end of 2007, to establish functional structures in each province as a more sustainable approach to strengthening the business sector's contribution to the goals contained in the national HIV and AIDS and STI Strategy for South Africa 2007-2011 (popularly known as the NSP). The business sector in the Western Cape is the second to formalise a provincial structure, following on the Northern Cape in 2009.

These provincial structures will build on the lessons that have been learned from national programmes, establish partnerships with Provincial AIDS Councils and local businesses and empower companies - large and small - through implementing specific initiatives and sharing information and data.

 "This was considered to be a critical next step in bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation," says Brad Mears, CEO of the business coalition.

In his key note address, Theuns Botha, the Western Cape MEC for Health, said that the province provides a solid platform for business and Government to work together towards a change in the key delivery of health services.

To give full effect to the strategic intent of the Western Cape Business Sector, eight business representatives were nominated and elected to serve on the Western Cape Business Sector Board of Governors. Seats are reserved for the West Coast and Eden pending nominations for those districts. The primary role of the Board of Governors is to oversee strategy implementation and to represent the interests of business in the province.

ENQUIRIES:  Tracey Peterson/Cell: 083 408 7173/Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Click here to read the full conference report: Western Cape Conference Report (25 June 2010)

Click here to view the Minister's speech:  Minister Botha 31.50 Kb

Click here to view the:  Western Cape Business Survey 640.50 Kb

Click here to view the Western Cape BOG Presentation:  Western Cape BoG 665.50 Kb

Click here to view:   D Pienaar Presentation 4.09 Mb

Click here to view:  Western Cape District Fact Sheet 142.00 Kb

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Western Cape Business Sector Conference