Benchmarking HIV&AIDS
Newsletter
No.1
I N S I D E TH I S I S S U E
1 First Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV&AIDS Meeting Held
1 LED Manager Takes the Lead in Benchmarking HIV&AIDS Project
2 Objectives of the Benchmarking Municipal HIV&AIDS Responses P
3 Decentralised Response to HIV&AIDS Results in Benchmarking
4 The Benchmark Tool Development
5 Mainstreaming HIV&AIDS: Practical Examples for al Municipal Departments
5 Profile of the Benchmark Advisory Committee
First Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV&AIDS Meeting Held
From the 12th to the 14
th of August, the first
Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS meeting was held in Pretoria. The meeting targeted tIDP Managers and HIV and AIDS Coordinators from 10 municipalities from across South Africa, as well as representatives from SALGA and DPLG. An expert panel consisting of benchmarking specialists, an HIV and AIDS mainstreaming specialist, and CMRA Project Manager, Project Officer and Senior Researcher introduced the municipalities to all aspects of the 2 year Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS project. The intensive 3 day meeting was an opportunity for the municipalities to interact and exchange information and experiences regarding their municipal responses to HIV and AIDS and the effectiveness of their mainstreaming activities. Continued on page 2
Newsletter 1
Benchmarking HIV&AIDS
Newsletter
October/November 2008
First Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV&AIDS Meeting Held
roject
g Municipal HIV&AIDS Responses Project
Decentralised Response to HIV&AIDS Results in Benchmarking HIV&AIDS Project
Mainstreaming HIV&AIDS: Practical Examples for al Municipal Departments
LED Manager Takes the Lead in
Benchmarking HIV&AIDS Project
The CMRA Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS project requires the participation of the IDP Manager and the HIV and AIDS Focal Person or Coordinator. Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality was enthusiastic about participating in the 2 year project wiCMRA, but were without an HIV and AIDS Coordinator. LED Manager Matee Seduma stepped in to take responsibility for implementing the project in his municipality.
Matee Seduma has held the position of LED Manat Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality for almost a year and a half. Matee has been married for 14 years and has 3 children. Before joining the BaMunicipality, he was a teacher for 12 years. Matee enjoys working at Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipabecause he says the work is not static, “I’m exposed to new things at all times, some challenging and some knocking down my confidence due to their difficulty, but the joy comes when I make and achieve progress bit by bit.” Matee says that it is a gratifying feeling to be part of the Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS project with CMRA. The Benchmarking Tool has made him realise the necessity to recommend that the municipal LED strategy be reviewed to mainstream issues related to HIV and AIDS, women and the youth. “I know it will be difficult to see LED from the perspective of HIV and AIDS, but the environment dictates that all municipalities need to make revolutionary mind shifting around LED and HIV and AIDS.” *
g Municipal AIDS Meeting Held
of August, the first Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS
meeting targeted the DS Coordinators from 10
municipalities from across South Africa, as well as DPLG. An expert panel
specialists, an HIV and AIDS st, and CMRA Project Manager,
introduced the municipalities to all aspects of the 2 year Benchmarking
roject. The intensive 3 day meeting was an opportunity for the
o interact and exchange information and experiences regarding their municipal responses to HIV and AIDS and the effectiveness of their mainstreaming
Continued on page 2
The benchmark project has made
women and youth into the LED
strategy. Matee
Benchmarking HIV&AIDS
October/November 2008
LED Manager Takes the Lead in
Benchmarking HIV&AIDS Project
The CMRA Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS project requires the participation of the IDP Manager and the HIV and AIDS Focal Person or
Phalaborwa Local Municipality was enthusiastic about participating in the 2 year project with CMRA, but were without an HIV and AIDS Coordinator. LED Manager Matee Seduma stepped in to take responsibility for implementing the project in his
Matee Seduma has held the position of LED Manager Phalaborwa Local Municipality for almost a year
and a half. Matee has been married for 14 years and has 3 children. Before joining the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, he was a teacher for 12 years. Matee
Phalaborwa Local Municipality because he says the work is not static, “I’m exposed to new things at all times, some challenging and some knocking down my confidence due to their difficulty, but the joy comes when I make and achieve progress bit
gratifying feeling to be part of the Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS project with CMRA. The Benchmarking Tool has made
the necessity to recommend that the municipal LED strategy be reviewed to mainstream
nd AIDS, women and the youth. “I know it will be difficult to see LED from the perspective of HIV and AIDS, but the environment dictates that all municipalities need to make revolutionary mind shifting around LED and HIV and
The benchmark project has made
me realise the necessity of
mainstreaming HIV&AIDS,
women and youth into the LED
strategy. Matee Seduma, LED
Manager.
The 10 participating municipalities will be self
their municipal response to HIV and AIDS though a
rigorous questionnaire. This questionnaire was deve
by CMRA with input from the members of the Benchmark
Advisory Committee, with expertise from a range of fields.
This tool will be analysed by CMRA to identify strengths
and weaknesses in each municipal response to HIV and
AIDS.
The second benchmark meeting is expected to be held in
February 2009, at which time the outcome of the self
assessment questionnaire will be discussed an
by the municipalities.
At the end of this project the 10 Municipalities will be
aware of their strengths and weaknesses and also of the
ways and methods to improve their HIV and AIDS
response. A benchmark report will give recommendations
to each municipality individually and the munici
be assisted with the implementation of one or more of the
recommendations. The benchmark project will identify
good practices and lessons learnt that can be sha
nation-wide so that other Municipalities will benef
well. This will be done through the compilation of a Good
Practices Booklet and a National Annual Conference.
Continued from page 1
10 Municipalities Benchmarking their HIV&AIDS Responses
Ba-Phalaborwa (LP)
Delmas (MP)
Dihlabeng (FS)
Greater Tubatse (LP)
Greater Tzaneen (LP)
The Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV&AIDS participants in Pretoria at the first benchmark meeting.
Newsletter 2
Objectives of the Benchmarking
HIV&AIDS Project The purpose of the Benchmark Project is improved municipal
responses to the HIV and AIDS epidemic though better
integration of HIV and AIDS in municipal service delivery. More
specific objectives are:
• To ensure increased buy-in among municipalities to
strengthen and improve their HIV and AIDS response,
through learning based on the benchmark exercise.
• To assess the extent and nature of the integration
between HIV, AIDS and reproductive health into municipal
service delivery for each participating Municipality.
• To capacitate municipalities in self
and AIDS response. Strengths and weaknesses and ways
of improving the response are identified through a
process of information sharing and networking, facilitated
by the Benchmark project team.
• To compare municipal processes and achievements,
including structures available, applied resources and
output.
• To enable the improved sharing and promotion of good
practices among participating municipalities.
• To document and disseminate good practices and
guidelines at national level.
• To assist the 10 participating municipalities with the
implementation of a project based on one or more of the
benchmark recommendations. *
The 10 participating municipalities will be self-assessing
ponse to HIV and AIDS though a
rigorous questionnaire. This questionnaire was developed
by CMRA with input from the members of the Benchmark
rtise from a range of fields.
by CMRA to identify strengths
and weaknesses in each municipal response to HIV and
enchmark meeting is expected to be held in
February 2009, at which time the outcome of the self-
assessment questionnaire will be discussed and analysed
unicipalities will be
aware of their strengths and weaknesses and also of the
rove their HIV and AIDS
l give recommendations
unicipality will
be assisted with the implementation of one or more of the
recommendations. The benchmark project will identify
good practices and lessons learnt that can be shared
unicipalities will benefit as
the compilation of a Good
Practices Booklet and a National Annual Conference. *
Continued from page 1
Benchmarking their HIV&AIDS Responses
Phalaborwa (LP) Ingquza Hill (EC)
Intsika Yethu (EC)
Madibeng (NW)
Greater Tubatse (LP) Rustenburg (NW)
Greater Tzaneen (LP) Umjindi (MP)
Responses to HIV&AIDS participants in Pretoria at the first benchmark meeting.
Objectives of the Benchmarking
roject is improved municipal
responses to the HIV and AIDS epidemic though better
tion of HIV and AIDS in municipal service delivery. More
in among municipalities to
strengthen and improve their HIV and AIDS response,
through learning based on the benchmark exercise.
and nature of the integration
between HIV, AIDS and reproductive health into municipal
service delivery for each participating Municipality.
To capacitate municipalities in self-evaluating their HIV
and AIDS response. Strengths and weaknesses and ways
improving the response are identified through a
process of information sharing and networking, facilitated
by the Benchmark project team.
To compare municipal processes and achievements,
including structures available, applied resources and
ble the improved sharing and promotion of good
practices among participating municipalities.
To document and disseminate good practices and
To assist the 10 participating municipalities with the
ased on one or more of the
*
Benchmarking their HIV&AIDS Responses
Ingquza Hill (EC)
Intsika Yethu (EC)
Madibeng (NW)
Rustenburg (NW)
Umjindi (MP)
Responses to HIV&AIDS participants in Pretoria at the first benchmark meeting.
Decentralised Response to HIV&AIDS
Results in Benchmarking HIV&AIDS
Project In recent years, municipalities have become more and more active in addressing the challenges of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Prevention, Awareness and Care Programmes are being supported, Stakeholder Forums established, and Workplace programmes implemented. However, many Municipalities still struggle with the development and implementation of comprehensive HIV and AIDS strategies. Therefore a large variety in responses, both in terms of nature and effectiveness, can be found across the country. Yes, many of these responses remain limited in nature.
In one of the other CMRA projects, the Decentralised Response to HIV and AIDS, which started in 2006, CMRA found a great need for peer review and information exchange about successful interventions. The Decentralised Response project, which is ongocoordinated by CMRA in partnership with International and SALGA and funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in South Africa. The brought about the realisation that municipalities often facesimilar challenges but do not always exchangelessons learnt. As a result there is a wealth of knowledge available in terms of what works and what not. However not all of this practical knowledge is documented and available. As municipalities are faced with many priorities and often work with tight budgets and under human capacity constraints, it would be crucial not to reinvent the wheel but rather to take stock of the lessons learnt by peer municipalities in addressing the epidemic.
Newsletter 3
Decentralised Response to HIV&AIDS
Results in Benchmarking HIV&AIDS
unicipalities have become more and challenges of the HIV and
AIDS epidemic. Prevention, Awareness and Care Programmes are being supported, Stakeholder Forums established, and Workplace programmes implemented. However, many Municipalities still struggle with the
n of comprehensive HIV and AIDS strategies. Therefore a large variety in responses, both in terms of nature and effectiveness, can
many of these
he Decentralised Response to HIV and AIDS, which started in 2006, CMRA
a great need for peer review and information exchange about successful interventions. The Decentralised Response project, which is ongoing, is
ith VNG-and funded by the Royal
Embassy in South Africa. The project tion that municipalities often face
do not always exchange ideas and is a wealth of knowledge
available in terms of what works and what not. However not all of this practical knowledge is documented and available. As municipalities are faced with many priorities and often work with tight budgets and under human
straints, it would be crucial not to reinvent the of the lessons learnt by
unicipalities in addressing the epidemic.
With the different toolkits available, different visions and approaches of recent support projects, mhave applied different methods in setting up similar initiatives. As a result there are a lot of valuable lessons that can be shared in terms of what works and what not and how particular challenges have been overcome. Municipalities thus do not only have lessons to share based on their different focus areas, but also on the effectiveness of different methods to reach a similar goal.*
The Benchmark Tool Development
The Benchmark Tool developed for the Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV&AIDS projectquestionnaire aligned to the Framework for An IntegratedLocal Government Response to HIV&AIDS (DPLGSeveral other key documents and guidelines were also consulted, such as the SALGA Country Guideline for Local Government (2008) and the VUNA Awards Questionnaire. The tool was developed in close collaboration with a former IDP Manager and Benchmark Specialists and then put forward to Advisory Committee expert panel for further inputs and discussion. Thereafter the tool was piloted in Greater Marble Hall Local Municipality, by the IDP Manager and the CMRA Project Coordinator, based in Marble Hall LM. The final draft tool was presented to the municipalities participating in the benchmark project for further discussion around appropriateness, comprehensiveness and feasibility. The inputs and recommendations from the municipality have been incorporated into the final Benchmark Tool.*
‘The potential of peer-learning and good
information dissemination, as a means to support
technical capacity building, is currently underutilised and
must be optimised’ (Framework for an Integrated Local
Government Response to HIV&AIDS, DPLG, 2007: 39).
e different toolkits available, different visions and f recent support projects, municipalities
have applied different methods in setting up similar initiatives. As a result there are a lot of valuable lessons
what works and what not and how particular challenges have been overcome. Municipalities thus do not only have lessons to share based on their different focus areas, but also on the
ethods to reach a similar
hmark Tool Development
ool developed for the Benchmarking l Responses to HIV&AIDS project is a
aligned to the Framework for An Integrated Government Response to HIV&AIDS (DPLG 2007).
nd guidelines were also consulted, such as the SALGA Country Guideline for
(2008) and the VUNA Awards Questionnaire. The tool was developed in close collaboration with a former IDP Manager and Benchmark Specialists and then put forward to the Benchmark Advisory Committee expert panel for further inputs and discussion. Thereafter the tool was piloted in Greater Marble Hall Local Municipality, by the IDP Manager and the CMRA Project Coordinator, based in Marble Hall LM.
as presented to the municipalities participating in the benchmark project for further discussion around appropriateness, comprehensiveness and feasibility. The inputs and recommendations from the municipality have been incorporated into the final
learning and good-practice
information dissemination, as a means to support
technical capacity building, is currently underutilised and
sed’ (Framework for an Integrated Local
Government Response to HIV&AIDS, DPLG, 2007: 39).
Engineering/Technical Services
• Ensure that the location of standpipes and toilets do not pose a safety risk to residents, especially women and children and that the distance to access these services is minimised
• Place HIV&AIDS awareness messages on refuse bags, bins and skips
• Educate households on how to sort solid waste and to use organic waste for compost and food gardening
Cemeteries and Parks
• Ensure that vegetation is cleared or maintained in areas that might pose a security risk particularly for woman and children
• Erect signs with HIV&AIDS awareness messages in parks and recreational areas
Finance
• Make systems and procedures for accessing indigent support user-friendly and accessible to the public
• Ensure that frontline staff at payment points are sensitised and equipped to deal effectively with requests for indigent support, especially from orphans
• Utilise billing for communication about HIV and where residents can access VCT, PMTCT and ART
Land and Buildings
• Make underutilised municipal land and buildings available to community organisations providing HIV&AIDS and community development services at subsidised rates
LED
• Engage employers in the municipal area to find out more about what impacts HIV&AIDS are having on their business and on the local economy
• Encourage employers to support gender equity as well and the employment of women; youth and people with disabilities, including HIV and AIDS
Protection and Emergency Services
• Working with the South African Police Service and community Policing Forums, prioritise the prevention of sexual crimes against woman and children to curb the spread of HIV
Mainstreaming HIV&AIDS: Practical
Examples for all Departments
HIV and AIDS impacts on the socio-economic needs of communities
and the municipal functioning as a whole. It is therefore the mandate
of developmental local government to prioritise HIV and AIDS as the
core business of every municipal department. Mainstreaming means
that each municipal department looks at its own core responsibilities
through an HIV and AIDS lens and integrates HIV and AIDS into the
core work of the department. When municipalities understand this
and respond accordingly, they can make a substantial difference to
the quality of life of their constituencies.
Newsletter 4
Make systems and procedures for accessing indigent support
Ensure that frontline staff at payment points are sensitised and equipped to deal effectively with requests for indigent
Utilise billing for communication about HIV and where
Engage employers in the municipal area to find out more HIV&AIDS are having on their business
Encourage employers to support gender equity as well and the employment of women; youth and people with
the South African Police Service and community Policing Forums, prioritise the prevention of sexual crimes against woman and children to curb the spread of HIV
Roads and Transport
• Engage provincial and national transport role-players as partners in addressing transport-related high risk areas (e.g.: Truck Stops)
• Through the development of roads and public transport systems, facilitate community members’ access to VCT, treatment and care, especially in rural areas or peripheral settlements
• Implement measures to promote the safety of community members, especially women and children, using public transport and related infrastructure (e.g.: Bus Shelters, Taxi Ranks)
Spatial Planning, Land Use Management, Land Development, Housing
• Identify sites as reception areas for immigrants and new households in the municipal area
• Ensure that informal settlement upgrading or relocation processes do not hinder residents’ access to social services, economic opportunities and in particular, HIV&AIDS specific care and treatment
• Ensure that the size, design and quality of new low income housing does not impact negatively on the health, social and economic well-being of residents
Community Services
• Engage education and social development role-players to ensure that orphans are not kept out of school due to lack of funds, clothing, books, or because they have to care for siblings
• Work together with social workers, NGOs and CBOs to facilitate access to healthcare, nutrition and care for the homeless and destitute, as well as orphans and vulnerable children
• In cooperation with the provincial department of Social Development, ensure that all people that are eligible for social assistance grants and subsidies are receiving them
Corporate Services
• Ensure that performance management systems and
managers’ performance scorecards reflect responsibilities
for the response to HIV&AIDS
• Together with the municipal manager, identify critical
positions and skills for supporting institutional knowledge
management, succession and mana
absenteeism • Ensure that trainers have capacity to undertake HIV and
AIDS and STI education and prevention programmes
Environmental Health
• Working together with engineering
services, enable all residents within
the municipal area to enjoy the
follow:
- Access to safe, sufficient, reliable
and affordable water
- Access to safe and hygienic
sanitation
- Air quality that meets acceptable standards
- Solid waste management.
• Investigate alternative technologies for improving
environmental quality and access to services in settlements
where access is either non-existent or limited.
Mainstreaming HIV&AIDS: Practical
Examples for all Departments
economic needs of communities
whole. It is therefore the mandate
HIV and AIDS as the
Mainstreaming means
that each municipal department looks at its own core responsibilities
AIDS lens and integrates HIV and AIDS into the
When municipalities understand this
and respond accordingly, they can make a substantial difference to
Engage provincial and national transport addressing
related high risk areas (e.g.:
Through the development of roads and public transport systems, facilitate community members’ access to VCT, treatment and care, especially in rural
easures to promote the safety of community
members, especially women and children, using public transport and related infrastructure (e.g.: Bus Shelters, Taxi
Spatial Planning, Land Use Management, Land
ption areas for immigrants and new households in the municipal area
Ensure that informal settlement upgrading or relocation processes do not hinder residents’ access to social services, economic opportunities and in particular, HIV&AIDS specific
Ensure that the size, design and quality of new low income housing does not impact negatively on the health, social and
being of residents
players to ensure orphans are not kept out of
clothing, books, or because they
Work together with social workers, NGOs and CBOs to facilitate access to healthcare, nutrition and care for the homeless and
ell as orphans and vulnerable children In cooperation with the provincial department of Social Development, ensure that all people that are eligible for social assistance grants and subsidies are receiving them
management systems and
managers’ performance scorecards reflect responsibilities
Together with the municipal manager, identify critical
positions and skills for supporting institutional knowledge
management, succession and managing intermittent
Ensure that trainers have capacity to undertake HIV and AIDS and STI education and prevention programmes
Working together with engineering
services, enable all residents within
y the
Access to safe, sufficient, reliable
Air quality that meets acceptable standards
Investigate alternative technologies for improving
and access to services in settlements
existent or limited.
Newsletter 5
Name Institution Designation Specific Expertise
Anke Ruige Independent Consultant Benchmarking Advisor Benchmarking
Burnett Marais Marble Hall Local Municipality IDP Manager IDP Manager
Hein Quist Independent Consultant Benchmarking Advisor Benchmarking
Jeff Zingel Independent Consultant Independent Consultant Social Scientist/development
Lawrence Valeta Buffalo City Municipality
Acting General Manager: LED, Tourism
and Rural Development Directorate:
Planning and Economic Development
Public Administration, Research, Local
Government
Liz Thomas (Dr.) MRC (Medical Research Council) /
Centre for Health Policy University of
Specialist Scientist HIV&AIDS, Health
and Development Research
Research, Local Government, Development
and HIV&AIDS
Mirjam Van Donk Isandla Institute Director Local Government, Development and
HIV&AIDS, Integrated Sustainable Human
Modimowabarwa
Kanyane (Prof.) University of Fort Hare
Head of Department: Public
Administration Head of Department: Public Administration
Nombulelo Msikinya DPLG (Department of Local Government) Senior Manager: Youth and HIV&AIDS Local Government and HIV&AIDS
Pakamisa George Independent Consultant Independent Consultant IDP and Local Government
Shirley Molema SALGA (South African Local Government
Association) HOU Social Development Local Government and HIV&AIDS
Terence Smith GTZ (German Technical Agency) HIV/AIDS Mainstreaming Expert Local Government and HIV&AIDS with a focus
on HIV&AIDS Mainstreaming
Winnie Dhlamlenze SALGA (South African Local Government
Association) Coordinator: HIV&AIDS
Local Government, Development and
HIV&AIDS
Profile of the Benchmark Advisory Committee The Benchmark Advisory Committee (BAC), which meets bi-annually, plays a pivotal support role in the Benchmarking Municipal
Responses to HIV&AIDS project. Members have expertise in the fields of HIV and AIDS, Development, Local Government, Public
Administration and Management. Members include representatives with specific technical expertise from SALGA, DPLG, academic
institutions, technical support agencies and independent consultants.
The role of the BAC is to play an advisory role in matters pertaining to the processes and content of the Benchmark project,
through the provision of inputs and advice on specific issues related to their area of expertise in the project. The BAC members
provide technical input on successes and challenges of the current project and possible strategies for the next benchmark project
cycle. Furthermore, the BAC provides advice and information regarding new developments on HIV and AIDS in the country. *
CMRA Contact Details:
Marije Versteeg Research Manager Project Manager: Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS Tel: 012 3473848 Cell: 074 106 3800 Fax: 012 347 9565 Email: [email protected]
Merle Voigts Project Officer: Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS Tel: 012 3473848 Cell: 072 097 8100 Fax: 012 347 9565 Email: [email protected]
Mpho Molefe Project Administrator: Benchmarking Municipal Responses to HIV and AIDS (currently on maternity leave) Didi Mofoka Project Administrator Tel: 012 347 3848 Fax: 012 3479565 Email: [email protected]
Visit the CMRA website at www.cmra.org.za CMRA postal address: PO Box 98341, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria, 0065
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