HIV/AIDS pandemic puts strain on KZN's financial stability: Mchunu
KZN Premier Willies Mchunu says one of the biggest threats to the health of the nation is HIV and Aids.
Mchunu's been addressing business leaders in Durban, primarily to introduce new members of the executive council including MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affiars Sihle Zikalala.
Mchunu touched on a number of issues that have a negative effect on economic stability including poverty, crime and unemployment.
Mchunu says improving the province's healthcare system is key as absenteeism as a result of HIV/Aids reduces production.
"It is important to be alive to the reality that HIV/AIDS has caused millions in debt and left millions of orphans who now depend on government grants.
"This has placed a strain on the national and provincial fiscus as it becomes government's responsibility to take care of such orphans," he said.