The ITF is deeply saddened to announce the death of Sibusiswe Moyo, Union and Country HIV/AIDS Coordinator for the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Railway Workers’ Union (ZARWU).

A longstanding HIV/AIDS activist and trade unionist, Sibusiswe died after she fell ill on 28 May, the second day of a three-day workshop on the ITF Africa HIV project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which she was attending.

Actively involved in developing workplace HIV policies for the transport sector in partnership with other unions, she also led a number of other initiatives, including the establishment of an orphans’ fund and music, dance and drama projects to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS.

Sibusiswe was also an active and communicative trade unionist and was keen to participate not only in the ITF Africa HIV project and but also in other initiatives.

ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said: "Sibusiswe was a prominent advocate in the fight against HIV and AIDS. She not only helped to develop workplace HIV policies for the transport sector, but also led other key initiatives. Her death represents a great loss to Africa's campaign against HIV and AIDS."

The Ethiopian ITF affiliate, the Transport and Communications Workers' Trade Unions Industrial Federation, which was hosting the workshop, cooperated in helping to repatriate Sibusiswe’s body to her native Zimbabwe; both the union’s President Daniel Gebeyehu and ITF Africa Regional Secretary Joe Katende flew to Harare to ensure her safe return to her family. Katende also attended her funeral near Bulawayo.

The ITF expresses condolences to the ZARWU and asks for sympathies to be extended to Sibusiswe’s family.