An evaluation of an HIV and AIDS management system (HAMS) in a Richards Bay company, KwaZulu-Natal : a case study

Abstract

In South Africa, HIV and AIDS workplace programmes have been implemented for more than two decades without any audited and certifiable standards. In 2007, the South African National Standard launched South African National Standard (SANS 16001) 16001 to assist, encourage and support companies to implement minimum standards for HAMS. Companies are now expected to use this standard to improve HIV and AIDS Management System. It therefore, becomes imperative for companies to establish workplace HAMS in line with the set standard. To determine to what extent the company‟s HAMS has been aligned to the SANS 16001, an evaluation of the current management system in relation to the new SANS 16001 system is needed. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the HIV and AIDS Management System in a Richards Bay Company. Methodology A single case study using a quantitative research design was used to evaluate HAMS in a Richards Bay Company. The sample consisted of all consenting participants who were selected from key position holders in accordance with the requirements of SANS 16001: 2007 and the general workers. These key position holders were comprised of senior managers, middle managers and those employees who play an important role in implementing HAMS. Two different sets of questionnaires were used to collect data. One questionnaire was used to collect data from the managers because they were key role players in HAMS. The second questionnaire was used to collect data from the general workforce. The data from the questionnaire was captured and subsequently analysed using the version 9 of SPSS.

Results There was evidence that the company was committed to continuous improvement regarding HIV and AIDS management as indicated by both key position holders and the general workforce.