SACP calls on financial sector to end discrimination

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has called on the country's major financial institutions to stop discriminating against HIV-positive workers.

The SACP has launched a campaign to lobby banks, insurance companies and medical schemes for greater access to financial services for the poor and the working class, particularly those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

South African Press Association (SAPA) quoted SACP spokesman Kaizer Mohau as saying: "We commit ourselves to redoubling our efforts in our struggle to transform the financial sector and end all forms of discrimination, including against people living with HIV and AIDS."

AIDS activists have criticised the financial sector for some of its policies, which make it difficult for many HIV-positive South Africans to provide financial security to their families.