"On the Highway"

This Tuesday Special Assignment joins a long-distance trucker on the road to experience life aboard a twenty-six wheeler. Extreme loneliness and fatigue are part of this lifestyle, relieved occasionally by the company of fellow truckers - and sex workers – at the truck stops on our major highways

As we approach International AIDS Day, we examine the risks faced by a sector of our society more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS than most. These men often spend weeks and months away from their wives or partners, making them easy targets for infection. And because of their mobility they can easily spread the virus. 

The freight industry is the lifeline of the economy with 80% of our goods being moved by road. Six years ago the industry woke up to the fact that if it did nothing about the challenges HIV/AIDS posed there would be no industry to talk of in the future. 

There are 35 000 long distance drivers in South Africa. It is estimated that 38% of them are HIV positive. Should large numbers die, it would be an enormous challenge to fill the gap.  It takes almost a year to train a driver who can be trusted with millions of rands worth of freight.

The South African Freight Industry has been innovative in meeting its challenges head on. They have set up roadside wellness centres along our highways. We visit some of these centres to find out how they operate and what they have achieved.  

On our journey between Johannesburg and Durban, we also come across sex workers who make a living from the loneliness of these men. In many cases poverty and unemployment have pushed them to work along the highways. Any attempt to deal with the problem of HIV/AIDS in the trucking industry would fail if it ignored them and their life style.

This investigation is directed by Msizi Khuhlane and was filmed by Thulo Monare and Byron Taylor.

phone: 27 11 714 6757
fax: 27 11 714 6254
e-mail: truth@sabc.co.za

To purchase copies of our program:

Business Enterprises at the SABC:
011 714 8066 or 011 714 6959
e-mail: enterpri@sabc.co.za