The managament of HIV and AIDS and TB in the workplace : A study of th North West Department of Education HIV/AIDS Policy in the Ngaka-Modiri-Molema District

Abstract

South Africa is increasingly being affected by HIV & AIDS and TB. Therefore, government departments are expected to develop workplace policies that create a helping environment for employees. In this context the North West Department of Education developed the "HIV & AIDS and TB management policy". The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the different structural elements through which the policy is implemented to find the kind of support the Department is giving to HIV & AIDS and TB infected and affected employees (educators and officials)--through the policy. The study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Interviews and questionnaires were the main methods used to collect data. Others were observations and documents analysis. Educators and officials of the Department formed the population of the study. The Ngaka-modiri-molema District municipality was the focus area. The main finding of the study was that generally, the administrative structure used to implement the policy was effective. The major problem identified was the shortage of financial and human resources.