Supporting HIV/AIDS work in South Africa through the Palabora Foundation
Our Palabora copper mining business, located in South Africa, established the Palabora Foundation to fund projects that address unmet needs in the surrounding communities. Since 2001, the Foundation has supported a dynamic partnership - the Ba-Phalaborwa HIV and AIDS Awareness Campaign, involving the local municipality, Ba-Phalaborwa, the provincial government of Limpopo, and other mining companies in the area. The partnership focuses on dealing with stigma, changing sexual behaviour and working with people living with HIV and AIDS. Some of the campaign's initiatives include providing peer education for women about understanding and protecting their rights; supporting child care for those orphaned by HIV/AIDS; and establishing organic gardens tended by orphans and by people living with HIV/AIDS. The Palabora Foundation covers the costs of recruiting and training peer educators and support group members, putting on events, paying salaries for three campaign staff members, transportation and other expenses.
A centerpiece of the HIV and AIDS Awareness Campaign is a support group for people infected with the virus. Started in 2001 with just a few people, the voluntary support group now has more than 500 members. Many of these members are trained to provide care and counselling to others, and local hospitals, clinics and private doctors often refer newly diagnosed patients to the support group. At monthly meetings, group members hear presentations and hold discussions around a wide variety of topics, including:
- Basic HIV/AIDS facts and myths
- Confidentiality and disclosure
- Other sexually transmitted infections
- Counselling skills
- Volunteerism
- Business management and leadership skills
- Antiretroviral therapy - side effects and adherence
- Positive living principles
The support group has made a huge impact on people's lives, as illustrated by this personal story from Yvonne Sekhula, a 25-year-old woman in Ba-Phalaborwa:
I was diagnosed HIV positive in 1999; I was in denial and did not want to mix with other people. I always thought of death and I kept it to myself, not even telling my mother or sisters. I started to be very sick and the clinic sister referred me to the support group, explaining how other clients are improving. It was in 2003; my health was deteriorating, then I joined the support group and started to improve my attitude and health status.
I then educated my family about HIV and AIDS and disclosed my status. I volunteered to be an educator in the community and in particular to raise awareness among my peers. Today I am on antiretroviral therapy and I educate the nation on radio broadcasts. I now think about life and what the future holds for me and my child - no more death. Thanks to the work of the HIV and AIDS Awareness Campaign, I will live many years to come.
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