It has been shown that people with HIV/Aids stay healthier and live a better quality of life if there is someone to give them support. Murray & Roberts’ HIV/Aids ‘Peer Educators’ programme strives to do just that. Employees who need information about HIV/Aids – or simply a friendly ear – always have someone to turn to.

The peer educators are Murray & Roberts employees who have been trained to create awareness about HIV/Aids. They provide fellow employees with informative reading material and organise information sessions. They also offer counselling and support.

Most Murray & Roberts business units have peer educators. “Overall, employees have responded positively to their message,” says Rene Mandela, group liaison executive and one of Murray & Roberts’ peer educators.

Much Asphalt in Durban has been running the peer educator training and HIV/Aids awareness programme for a number of years – and is leading the way in terms of HIV/Aids awareness at Murray & Roberts.

Rene was invited to attend the company’s HIV/Aids peer educator training and subsequently introduced the concept to the Gauteng businesses.

“Our peer educators have an important role to play in the future in educating and motivating people to go for testing,” says Rene. “It is better to fight the enemy you know. Our biggest challenge will be to reach out to the community and get company-wide buy-in.”

An HIV/Aids policy for Murray & Roberts has been presented to the board for approval.