Celebrating Partnerships - AC Launches Offices in Limpopo

18 May 2009

Only two months after launching an office in the North West, The AC is at it again, but this time, in Limpopo. On Monday, 11 May, The AIDS Consortium (national network of over 1000 HIV and AIDS organisations), opened their doors to over 35 selected delegates who came to witness the launch of their new offices in Limpopo. The office is situated in Polokwane - 41 Hans van Rensburg Street, Rampies Building, Office no.4. Different stakeholders honoured the invitation, amongst them was government (Department of Labour), Corporate (Anglo Platinum), Community/Civil Society partners (loveLife, New Start, TAC etc), media and other sectors.

 

 

The expansion of The AC into Limpopo is made possible by Irish Aid, a funding partner in the province. “We support this initiative and will continue supporting such initiatives in the province” said Ms. Tamara Mathebula, the HIV & AIDS Programme Advisor from Irish Aid. The AIDS Consortium’s implementing partners in the province are Choice Trust and the AIDS Foundation of South Africa. Fiona Macdonald, Executive Trustee of Choice Trust used the analogy of marriage for this partnership “there will be good times and challenging times, but we want to hold the learnings and knowledge gained to be able to enhance good practices of civil society”.

Delegates were taken through the office which boasts an Information Centre consisting of a Cyber Cafe, a mini HIV and AIDS library and distribution centre. This office is now fully operational and is open from 08h00 till 16h30.

“This is indeed a celebration of partnerships and we really look forward to working together with all of you. The commitment shown by our partners is remarkable!” said Denise Hunt, Executive Director of The AIDS Consortium.