Kokstad adds to growing list of wellness clinics on key routes

JOY ORLEK DEALING WITH cause rather than effect is the thinking behind the growing number of Roadside Wellness Centres being established along prime commercial transport corridors throughout South Africa. According to unconfirmed statistics, some 30% of all long-haul drivers are infected with HIV/AIDS, fuelling concern for the growing shortage of skilled drivers. Trucking against AIDS, in conjunction with provincial departments of health, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and industry role- players has already set up 11 wellness centres along national routes The most recent opened its doors last month in Kokstad, a joint initiative by the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight Industry, TNT Express and Trucking Against AIDS. “Situated next to the N2 between KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape, the Kokstad centre comes as an extension of our commitment as transporters to help create a sustainable model of public and private sector partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” says TNT country general manager, Tim Steel. In 2005 TNT Express joined forces with the World Food Programme to develop Wellness Centres for truck drivers in Malawi.