01 Oct 2013

South East South legislator, Mr Odirile Motlhale says it is illegal for sexual partners not to disclose their HIV/AIDS status to each other.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Goo-Mankga and Tlokweng wards in Ramotswa recently, Mr Motlhale said failure to disclose one’s status was an offense in which one could face the wrath of the law which constitutes a jail term. “This has been inscribed in the Public Health Act,” he said.

Also, he highlighted that the act gives the doctors permission to test any patient whom they suspect of HIV with or without their consent. Further, he said doctors had been empowered to disclose their patient’s status to the family members if the patient was not willing to do so. In addition, he pleaded with parents to encourage their children who were below the age of 16 to test themselves.

On other issues, Mr Motlhale told the residents that Parliament would discuss the Land Policy and the Legal Aid Bill among others.

Further, he said they would discuss the one stop border policy which would facilitate the establishment of a one check point at border post for countries concerned.

That, he said would help avoid delays incurred during travels and transportation of goods. For his part, Ramotswa North East councillor, Mr Douglas Kereng encouraged the residents to register for the upcoming general elections. He further applauded Ipelegeng workers for doing an exceptional job of keeping the village clean. ENDS