Higher Education South Africa (HESA) is pleased to announce that its request for a 10-month extension of the HEAIDS Programme has been approved by the European Commission and the Department of Education.

“This extension will give the sector until 21 March 2010 to embed the outputs of our various initiatives,” said Ms Managa Pillay, HEAIDS acting director. A significant advantage of this extension is that institutions will be able to implement workplace programmes and expand HIV/AIDS facilities and services for students and staff. More information about the implications of the extension will be communicated to institutions.

Ms Pillay also confirmed that the Department of Education and HESA are committed to the funding of Phase 3 of the HEAIDS Programme. Discussions in this regard are underway and more information will be made available in due course.