AIDS stigma a major challenge in public service

HIV/AIDS stigma is still an issue in South Africa's Public Service Department, delegates at a Johannesburg conference on Health and Wellness in the Public Service Workplace have heard. Although the department is considered the most progressive employer in terms of institutional HIV/AIDS policies, it still faced a major behavioural challenge, said department chief director Kgotla Bantsi. The government news agency, BuaNews, quoted Bantsi as saying: "The public service in South Africa needs a major cultural re-orientation. What we need is highly charged emotional leadership - leaders who not only talk the talk but who walk the walk." Employees are still unwilling to disclose their HIV status, but the department is hoping to formulate a comprehensive plan to turn the trend around.