Private sector champions HIV and TB response in the world of work
South Africa’s private sector is strengthening leadership and collaboration to advance workplace HIV and TB responses, positioning employee health as a business imperative. Through SANAC-PSF initiatives and ILO support, employers are expanding provincial action, revitalising sectoral programmes, and reinforcing health as a cornerstone of decent work and sustainable enterprises.
2 December 2025
South Africa, Johannesburg. (ILO News) - Over the past year, the private sector has stepped up like never before. Under Ms. Zikalala’s leadership and support from other Board Members including the ILO.
SANAC-PSF spearheaded the launch of Provincial Private Sector Forums in all nine provinces between October 2024 and October 2025. These forums are more than structures, they are platforms for action, enabling businesses to collaborate on HIV and TB prevention, treatment, and care at the local level.
Health is not just a social issue, it’s a business imperative, declared Ms. Mpumi Zikalala, CEO of Kumba Iron Ore and Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum (SANAC-PSF),
Ms Zikalala, shared this message during a landmark meeting with South Africa’s Captains of Industry held in November 2025. Her words capture the spirit of a movement that is reshaping workplace health across the country.
One of the most defining moments came when SANAC-PSF convened a high-level dialogue with CEOs including those from Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), and the Black Business Council (BBC). The agenda was clear: strengthen workplace HIV and TB programmes and rally support for the Global Fund Replenishment.
“We cannot afford to lose momentum. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and their health is non-negotiable,” emphasised one industry leader during the session.
The commitment is not confined to boardrooms. On 2 December 2025, the Employers in construction through Master Builders Association Gauteng commemorated World AIDS Day, reviving the HIV and AIDS response in the construction sector, a field often overlooked in health interventions. The event featured educational sessions, awareness campaigns, and powerful testimonies from workers.
“This is about dignity and safety. Every builder deserves access to health services,” said an MBA-North representative.
ILO Perspective: Health as a Cornerstone of Decent Work
The International Labour Organization (ILO) reminds us that health is integral to Decent Work. A workplace free from stigma and discrimination, with access to HIV and TB services, is essential for productivity and social justice. “Investing in health is investing in people and in sustainable enterprises,” notes Simphiwe MABHELE from the ILO-Pretoria Office. Employers are urged to integrate HIV and TB responses into occupational safety and health systems, aligning with international labour standards.
Call to Action: Be Part of the Change
The private sector has shown what is possible when leadership meets commitment. Now, it’s your turn:
- Join SANAC-PSF initiatives and become part of a national network driving change.
- Implement workplace programmes for prevention, testing, and treatment.
- Champion zero stigma policies and create safe spaces for workers.
“Together, we can end HIV and TB in the world of work,” says Ms. Zikalala.