Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Metropolitan Holdings Limited is a life insurance and investment company with a well-recognised brand, operating in a competitive environment. The Metropolitan Doyle model that the company developed in the 1980s was the first of its kind and is used to predict the course and impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Metropolitan has since been actively engaged in developing insurance products, designed to take HIV/AIDS into account. It has, moreover been active in advocating action on a wide range of issue relating to the disease, not least through its RedRibbon website, the publication of the respected journal, AIDS Analysis Africa, and through various community initiatives, particularly involving HIV/AIDS education. The company’s external work on the issue of HIV/AIDS is therefore well recognised. Although it has had an internal programme for several years, it has only seriously addressed the HIV/AIDS in the workplace since 2003 and in so doing, has not found the necessity of using any existing models of best practice. This case study examines the guidelines of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS programme, as set out by the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, with a view to finding out whether and to what extent a company such as Metropolitan might have implemented its recommendations and what impact it might have in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The case study further examines the likely impact of the King II recommendations relating to the disclosure requirements on HIV/AIDS (in conjunction with the Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines) with a view to assessing whether these can enable a company such as Metropolitan, to have regard to the impact of the disease on the sustainability of their business and the steps that might be taken to mitigate the impact. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Metropolitan Holdings Beperk is ‘n lewensversekerings – en beleggingsmaatskappy, met ‘n alombekende handelsmerk, wat in ‘n kompeterende omgewing funksioneer. Die Metropolitan-Doyle model wat deur die maatskappy in die 1980’s ontwikkel is, was die eerste in sy soort, en word gebruik om die verloop en impak van die MIV/VIGS pandemie te voorspel. Metropolitan is sedertdien aktief betrokke in die ontwikkeling van versekeringsprodukte, was spesifiek ook MIV/VIGS as oogmerk het. Die maatskappy is boonop besig om betrokkenheid oor ‘n wye spektrum van uitkomste verwant aan die siekte te propageer, veral deur die RedRibbonwebtuiste, die publikasie van die hoogaangeskrewe joernaal, AIDS Analysis Africa, en deur verskeie gemeenskapsinisiatiewe wat spesifiek die opvoeding aangaande MIV/VIGS insluit. Die maatskappy se eksterne werk op die aangeleentheid van MIV/VIGS word dus wyd erken. Alhoewel dit ook al verskeie jare oor ‘n interne program beskik, is dit eers sedert 2003 dat MIV/VIGS in die werkplek ernstig aangespreek word. Deur dit so te doen, is daar nie die nodigheid gesien om enige bestaande modelle wat die beste werk, te gebruik nie. Hierdie gevallestudie ondersoek die riglyne van ‘n omvattende MIV/VIGS program, soos uiteengesit deur die Global Business Coalition oor MIV/VIGS, met die oogmerk om uit te vind tot watter mate ‘n maatskappy soos Metropolitan sy aanbevelings mag implementeer en watter impak dit mag hê op die bestryding van MIV/VIGS in die werkplek. Die gevallestudie ondersoek verder die waarskynlike impak van die King IIaanbevelings rakende die openbaarmakende vereistes oor MIV/VIGS (in samehang met die Global Reporting Initiative Riglyne) met die oogmerk om te bepaal of bogenoemde ‘n maatskappy soos Metropolitan in staat kan stel om geleentheid te hê tot die impak van die siekte op die volhoubaarheid van hul besigheid en die stappe wat geneem mag word om die impak te beheer.

Thesis (M.B.A.)-Business Studies Unit, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xii, 127 leaves / The knowledge, attitude and training needs of line managers at the South African Sugar Association (SASA) with regards to the management of HIV/AIDS infected employees. Background: The rapid spread of HIV/AIDS is having an increasingly adverse impact on the operations of companies. Due to the changing environment in which line managers have to operate as a result of HIV/AIDS, line managers will increasingly be faced with handling HIV/AIDS infected employees and all the issues surrounding this epidemic. The research investigates the knowledge, attitude and training needs of line managers in SASA with regards to the management of HIV/AIDS infected employees. Objective: The goals of the research are; 1). To ascertain the prevailing level of knowledge, attitude and training needs of line managers at SASA with regards to the management of HIV/AIDS infected employees. 2). To establish the relationship between the biographic variables and knowledge, attitude and training needs with regards to the management of HIV/AIDS infected employees. / M

Thesis (M.B.A.)-Business Studies Unit, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xii, 127 leaves / The knowledge, attitude and training needs of line managers at the South African Sugar Association (SASA) with regards to the management of HIV/AIDS infected employees. Background: The rapid spread of HIV/AIDS is having an increasingly adverse impact on the operations of companies. Due to the changing environment in which line managers have to operate as a result of HIV/AIDS, line managers will increasingly be faced with handling HIV/AIDS infected employees and all the issues surrounding this epidemic. The research investigates the knowledge, attitude and training needs of line managers in SASA with regards to the management of HIV/AIDS infected employees. Objective: The goals of the research are; 1). To ascertain the prevailing level of knowledge, attitude and training needs of line managers at SASA with regards to the management of HIV/AIDS infected employees. 2). To establish the relationship between the biographic variables and knowledge, attitude and training needs with regards to the management of HIV/AIDS infected employees.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

This research focused on the legal response to the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in South Africa. The response adopted by the South African legislators embraces the protective model of the law. The philosophy underpinning this legislation is to engender respect for individuals and to promote human rights and in the context of HIV/AIDS, reduce the presence of stigmas and discrimination. Such an approach is commendable however in South Africa given the nature and extent of the crisis a more proactive legal response is required. Such a response is encapsulated within the empowerment model of legislation. The aim of this research was to demonstrate the need for such an approach in a work environment. In order to do so, a study of the Durban Metropolitan Unicity Municipality was undertaken. As a public institution such an entity is obliged to follow all employment laws and guidelines. This characteristic ensures that problems and advantages that arise regarding the implementation of protective legislation can be easily ascertained. The research was conducted by using a case study approach within a qualitative research methodology. The snowball method of sampling was relied on for obtaining respondents and the data collection technique adopted was interviewing specifically, semi-structured interviewing. Members of the Durban Metropolitan Unicity Municipality were interviewed on the primary aspects of its workplace policy on HIV/AlDS, which is based on the guiding principles of the protective employment laws of South Africa. The main findings of this research suggest that the protective model of legislation has not achieved a noteworthy level of success in the workplace of the Durban Metropolitan Unicity Municipality. This finding is derived from the Iow levels of awareness of employment legislation and the workplace policy, high incidence of discrimination prevalent and stigmas still attached to one's HIV/AlDS status, and general dissatisfaction with specific provisions of the workplace policy that are based on the principles of protective employment legislation. An alternative legal response was advocated namely, the empowerment model of legislation which is much more proactive in its application. This model of law focuses on the legal empowerment of people and is conducive to stimulating positive social changes. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

The current South African labour laws have evolved through decades of transitions. It originated from an autocratic employment relationship to the fight for worker rights and finally, to the equal rights and freedom of workers. However the rights of workers were always regulated by the idiosyncrasies and oppression of the political fabric of this country. One of the greatest contributing factors that enhanced worker confidence is the introduction of the previous Interim Constitution and the now, Final Constitution, which provided for equality for all South African citizens. All such laws have impacted intensely on the South African labour framework. Currently, we exist in a country where there are laws that ensure worker protection. On the face of it, the labour laws are clearly democratic. However, in practice, there exist many gaps in the law. This study is primarily based on identifying the areas of the labour laws where such laws do not adequately cater for the South African population and its diversities, and where it is not consistent with the International Labour standards. Major emphasis will be placed on the application of the law and the intention behind the drafters of such legislation. One area of focus is the application of the law to the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa. HIV/AIDS is seen as an epidemic that is adversely penetrating the workforce and a company's productivity. The disease itself is growing at an enormous pace and already, a small percentage of the population is affected by it. The disease inevitably leads to a drop in a company's output through the increase in employee absenteeism and deaths, and it also obligates employers to re-arrange their staff or hire new staff. Companies have been forced to change their policies and to create awareness in the workplace to adequately cater for workers who suffer from this epidemic. The laws itself have not made sufficient provision for applying itself to the growth in the percentage of AIDS employees. With a large percentage of the workforce having the disease, there has not been sufficient protection of such persons and their families. There are three stages in the HIV/AIDS cycle and the last stage weakens employees to the extent that they are unable to work. And with medical costs being as high as it is today, it won't be long before such employees lack the financial means to survive. Hence there is little protection to workers after contracting the AIDS virus. This is merely one of the areas of the HIV/AIDS crisis that requires review of the current labour laws. The labour laws are new to providing protection to workers. Inevitably, it is the responsibility of workers to protect themselves, either through saving on their own or entering into endowment or similar policies. However, with the instability in our current economic climate, it is difficult for employees to invest or to save. Employment Equity has been another area that requires development within the South African labour framework. Such equity is based on rectifying the political ravages of the past, where previously disadvantaged persons were prejudiced in various areas of the employment arena. Affirmative Action has been one area of change that many companies and corporations were forced to deal with. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has always attempted to diversify its laws to cater for the diversities of the world population. South Africa adopted many of its laws, specifically with regards to the HIV/AIDS crisis. However, considering that the labour laws are seen as a rapidly-changing area in the world economy, such areas are making it difficult for the current laws to be consistent with such changes. Emphasis is now placed on the application of the laws to such changes. This study is a very much theoretical to the extent that it identifies the areas of applicable law and the areas that require improvement or change in order to satisfy the "democracy" in a democratic country. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University,2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS among different organizations in Lesotho and how they respond to the challenge; and to determine whether these organizations respond positively/effectively to the challenge of the pandemic in their respective organizations and whether they have developed workplace programmes and policies which address the issue, and if they do exist, whether they are effective. Lesotho is one of the countries in the world with a very severe HIV/AIDS infection rate. It is estimated that 28.9% of the entire population was living with HIV/AIDS as of December 2003 (UNAIDS, 2004). The increasing number of HIV/AIDS infectees in the country is affecting the entire labour force; therefore to effectively respond to the pandemic, the government of Lesotho and its development partners and civil society organizations are doing everything within their means to control it. Therefore, work place programmes that deal with HIV/AIDS on the work environment should be an answer to the social capital issue; the most valuable resource being human capital, since the programmes would promote prevention, information, education and training. It would also promote the rights of staff members and their dependants living with and/or affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The population where the investigation was done is made up of corporate places of work stratified into five types of organizations found in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho: o Non-governmental organizations o Private sector o Development partners ( Diplomatic Missions/Donors) o Parastatals o Government The results of the study indicated that the majority of these organizations have workplace programmes and policies which are effective and appreciated by the employees, while others are in the process of drawing up their policies or already have them in draft form. Despite all the efforts being put in place, the feeling among some of the organizations is that HIV infection in Africa will continue to increase because of the way it is being addressed; what they call ‘The Western way’. They feel that if it is addressed situationally, not academically, there will be a slight difference. For example, they claim that Africans do not feel comfortable about bringing their private behaviours in the open; for instance, speaking about sex and sexuality. The belief systems of the Basotho are also identified as great influencers in the pandemic. These include the culture/traditions, relations with the family and pressure from peers, people whom we trust and the fulfilment of women's sexual desires. The conclusion reached is that the different organizations in Lesotho address the challenge of HIV/AIDS positively and in others effectively, and with more effort the pandemic could be brought under control in the near future. The recommendation after viewing the findings, is that the issue of care and support, stigma and discrimination are still issues that need to be worked on, since employees are scared to know their status due to fear of being stigmatized. Therefore, the above cannot be addressed properly unless they are seen in practice. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is 'n ondersoek na die impak van MIV/Vigs op, en reaksie van verskillende ondernemings in Lesotho. Volgens beraming is die infeksiekoers van Lesotho 28.9% en is die invloed daarvan op die werkersmag beduidend; dit kan selfs katastofies raak indien dit nie doeltreffend aangespreek en bestuur word nie.. Data is versamel by by vyf kategorië van ondernemings in Maseru ten einde te verseker dat al die belangrikste sektore deur die studie betrek word.. Resultate toon aan dat die meeste ondernemings wel werksplekprogramme en MIV/Vigs-beleid in plek het. Die persepsie van werkers binne die ondernemings wat in die ondersoek gebruik is toon egter 'n negatiewe prognose ten opsigte van die doelteffende bestuur van die pandemie. Die gevoel is dat die benadering te reglynig en "Westers" is en dat die metafore en tradisies van Afrika meer effektief in voorkomingsprogramme sal wees. Voorstelle in hierdie verband word gemaak. Voorstelle vir meer doeltreffende voorkomingsprogramme word gemaak en voorstelle vir verdere studies in Lesotho word aan die hand gedoen.

Increasing HIV infection rates affect government employees as much as workers in other places. While government has responded to the evolving crisis with a number of policy documents, little is known about the implementation of such policies in government departments. This study assessed the HIV/AIDS policy in the Department of Labour and identified weakness in the implementation. The results of the study may be used by the Dept. of Labour to improve its implementation if necessary.

<p>This thesis examined to what extent the current legislation protects the HIV positive employee against unfair discrimination and dismissal. The study gave short medical background to HIV/AIDS and introduced HIV discrimination by giving the historical background to HIV related discrimination. From this, the extent of stigmatization against this group was introduced.</p>

The main research of the study was: How is integrated communication applied in the UKZN AIDS Programme at Westville Campus? The following six subsidiary research questions were formulated to address this topic:  How is communication aligned with the strategic focus in the UKZN AIDS Programme?  How consistent are messages and media used in and outside the UKZN AIDS Programme?  What is the status of infrastructure for integration within the UKZN AIDS Programme?  What is the status of internal stakeholder orientation and differentiation in the UKZN AIDS Programme?  What are the mechanisms put in place to coordinate communication efforts and action within the UKZN AIDS Programme?  What is the status of free flow of information within the UKZN AIDS Programme? A qualitative research design was conducted using field and survey research. These two research methods may be used for descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory research (Mouton 1996:232). Descriptive and exploratory field and survey research were used to ascertain the integrated communication applied in the UKZN AIDS Programme. Data was collected from sixteen UKZN AIDS Programme employees and eight students using semi-structured focus group and in-depth interviews respectively. Data collected was analysed using thematic analysis a technique that involves identifying, analysing and reporting in detail patterns or themes within data.The study found that the UKZN AIDS Programme focuses mostly on the University as its main stakeholder. Therefore, there is little emphasis on employees and students. Besides, the study revealed that there is poor alignment of the programme’s communication strategy with the programme’s strategy. To achieve the UKZN AIDS Programmes’ strategic objectives and mission, there is need to reassess the efforts of the programme and re-strategise. Findings on the consistency of messages and media in the UKZN AIDS Programme reveal that all communications are managed by senior employees and consistent in terms of programme identity by using the university identity, and website messages. The status of the consistency of messages and media in the programme can be improved if a comprehensive approach can be used in communicating internal messages. Findings on the consistency of messages and media in external communication show that the programme tries to communicate different prevention messages using channels favoured by students. However, channels such as drama and peer educators have weaknesses that need to be addressed in addition to employing diverse communication channels. Findings show that some of the messages communicated are relevant in the sense that they address students’ sexual risk behaviour while others are not as they are off tangent such that they address issues students are not concerned about. In addition, findings show that peer educators were not exemplary in their work while drama programmes did not allow students to actively participate in the prevention activities. On infrastructure for integration, the study found that there is infrastructure and several prospects for information sharing in the programme created by information technology though not fully explored. With regards the free flow and sharing of information, the study established that the required systems for communication exist but not adequately utilised. Findings on the co-ordination of communication efforts and actions to promote integrated communication show flaws. Departments in the programme function in silos due to lack of cross-functional planning. The integrated communication conceptual framework used in the study was useful in making the study successfully ascertain integrated communication applied by the UKZN AIDS Programme. The conceptual framework can therefore be used to underpin any research topic on health integrated communication. / Communication Science / MA (Communication) / 1 online resource (v, 222 leaves)