Managing HIV/AIDS in the South African workplace: Just another duty?

Abstract

The vast majority of HIV and AIDS cases are located in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS constitutes a critical threat to the development of South Africa, yet the response to date has been slow and often confused. The research of ‘Deco’ is examined to outline how the company approached HIV/AIDS. Deco’s policies encouraged voluntary testing and counselling, openness and disclosure. Different HIV/AIDS programme aspects that responded in a reactive and under-resourced way and lacking access to managerial structures, had the opposite results. The very real value of AIDS volunteers’ contribution, is then described and evaluated. A new approach from both management and employees is needed in which a co-ordinated division of responsibility forms a key element in a workplace partnership to combat HIV/AIDS.