By Tabisa Mntengwana
22 June 2009

BUFFALO CITY has hosted an Employee Wellness Week, and municipal staff members came in large numbers for the annual gathering.

Two events were held: one at the East London Municipal Employee Wellness Centre and the other at the King William’s Town War Memorial Hall.

Employee Wellness Week is organised by the City’s employee wellness unit and is a joint venture between the City; Sanca, the South African National Council on Alcoholism; and Netcare 911, the private sector medical care company. The aim is to promote healthy lifestyles.

The physical, mental and psychological wellness of municipal employees was measured. Staff members were tested for HIV/Aids, hypertension, diabetes, high blood pressure and eyesight. They were also given advice on healthy living.

The municipal employee assistance programme (EAP) unit provides help to those employees who are infected with or affected by HIV/Aids; the disabled; those with emotional problems like depression, anxiety, stress and grief; and those with substance abuse problems.

Vumile Sokuyeka, from the records department, took part, saying: “These services help us as employees to live a healthy lifestyle … The City gives advice and strengthens those who have illnesses.”

Employee Wellness Week was first held in 2005, with the aim of boosting HIV and Aids awareness in the workplace.

It was developed after the municipality undertook an Employee HIV Prevalence Study in 2004, which was aimed at dealing with the effects of HIV and Aids on City councillors and employees.

For further information about the EAP unit, visit the unit at 58 Belgravia Crescent, East London, or contact Nocawe Gola on 043 722 1011.