OPSEU leader to tour South Africa, Malawi In support of AIDS projects

The president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union will embark on a tour of southern Africa AIDS/HIV projects, trade unions and community organizations.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas will visit projects in South Africa and Malawi funded by the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which OPSEU supports through the union’s Live and Let Live charitable fund. Thomas will also deliver OPSEU-donated solar-powered lights to a rural village in need of electricity.

“I’m proud that OPSEU has extended our union’s reach beyond our borders to help those attempting to cope with the terrible AIDS/HIV pandemic in Africa,” Thomas said. “I hope to bring back a better understanding of their problems.”

Thomas will also meet with a number of South African union leaders and tour a Workers’ College in Durban.

Itinerary

Thursday, March 13: Kwezana, South Africa: AIDS/HIV village project

Friday, March 14, Durban: Workers’ College

Saturday, March 15, Umdoni: Vulamehlo HIV/AIDS Association – a home based care project

Wednesday, March 19, Johannesburg: Big Shoes project – supporting AIDS widows and orphans

Friday, March 21, Kasungu, Malawi: Makupo village electricity project