Abstract #121  -  The inclusion of HIV & AIDS programs in development instruments: a case study of municipalities in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Mrs. Sibusisiwe Silinda - gtz
Additional Authors:  Mr. Easter Kunene, Mrs. Nomthandazo Mdluli, Ms. Bethusile Mabila, Mr. Themba Hlongwana, Mr. Phumezo Lawana,
Method / Issue: HIV & AIDS has been identified as one of the major factors affecting development in South Africa as it impacts on the sustainability of communities as well as their development conditions and opportunities. There is therefore a need to deal with HIV and AIDS as a developmental planning issue through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) which is the main platform for delivering services to people at local level. A number of policies and guiding documents have been developed and approved by different spheres of government in South Africa in order to provide direction for Mitigation of HIV & AIDS. However, in the Mpumalanga province, the officials responsible have not been assisted with understanding and therefore being able to implement these policies.
Results / Comments: PROJECT DESCRIPTION: From 2005 to 2008 municipalities were assisted to establish, structure AIDS councils through a partnership between GTZ, ETU and the three district municipalities in the province, workshops were held in each municipality. Once established, GTZ and ETU lobby for the appointed of dedicated person by all municipalities mainly to ensure that these councils are functional. AIDS councils were assisted through workshops (two in each municipality) to develop their individual Terms of References and Strategic Plans as well as their implementation plans. A capacity building program was designed and offered to the key role players of AIDS councils to ensure that they are able to influence the processes towards the inclusion of HIV & AIDS programs in the IDP. Bi-annual monitoring and evaluation workshops were held at district level to track progress and annual learning events were held at provincial level. Amongst the 18 local municipalities in the province, 10 participated fully in all the cooperation activities, 4 had partially and 4 failed to participate. Of the three district municipalities, two participated fully and one had partial interest. The project is assessed on the change in the Municipal IDP documents, the budget allocations as well as the allocation of human resources to the HIV & AIDS mitigation programs by the respective municipalities. The improvement assessment is based on the comparison of the 2007-2008 IDP documents and the draft IDP documents for 2009-2010 financial years. Out of the 10 municipalities that have participated fully in the process, nine have shown a significant change in the IDP document to include specific HIV & AIDS programs and projects as well as budget allocation. Human resource allocation has not changed although some personnel have taken responsibility for the HIV & AIDS programs. Both districts that have participated in the process show major changes in the inclusion of HIV & AIDS in their IDP documents coupled with Human Resource allocation and budget.
Discussion: LESSON LEARNED: Proper mobilisation of sectors at local level is important for structured representation, participation, reporting and transfer of information. It is essential for AIDS councils to participate in the process of Integrated development planning in order to ensure HIV & AIDS programs are prioritized. Planning cycles must be synchronized to the benefit of all stakeholders. Investment on human capital is a key to a successful response.
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