POORTJIE RECEIVES AN HIV/AIDS CARE CENTRE

18 October 2002

To: News Editors

From: City Of Johannesburg

The City of Johannesburg Council during yesterday's Council meeting agreed to the acceptance of a donation of R2,7 million for the establishment of an HIV/AIDS Care Centre in Poortjie, South of Johannesburg.

National Department of Public Works and Transportation is donating the money in two portions for the establishment of an HIV/AIDS centre known only as Ithemba (A village of Hope). The centre seeks to address the growing needs for a suitable place for people living with AIDS I particular AIDS orphans.

The centre will also be used to make a contribution to the unemployment problem in the area. A number of skill training programmes such as bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, glazing, tiling, painting, metal work and bookkeeping will be offered at the centre.

The skills are necessary for one to be in a position to star his/her small money generating projects. Furthermore training will be offered at the centre for the HIV/AIDS home caregivers. The training of the young adults at the Zakheni Youth Development on job creation programmes has already started.

The centre, which is a partnership between the City's Social Development department and the youth for Christ (NGO) will cater mainly for large number of poverty-stricken communities in Poortjie, Orange Farm and the surrounding areas especially those living in the informal settlements.