MARCH 2004 #2
MARCH 2004 #2

THE AIDC PROVIDES ACCESS TO HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE PROGRAMMES FUNDS

The AIDC, in partnership with the National Association of Automotive Components & Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), recently hosted a breakfast briefing session explaining the processes involved when accessing funds relating to the implementation of HIV/Aids workplace programmes. Mr Clive Williams, Executive Director of NAACAM, stressed the importance in dealing with HIV/Aids as a socio-economic issue.

"The forming of public private partnerships in dealing with this disease should be seen as compulsory when measuring the impact and long-term effects HIV/Aids has on the automotive industry." Mr Williams shared positive feedback from signed-up companies on the effectiveness of the AIDC HIV/Aids workplace programme.

The AIDC formulated a 50/50 match funding policy of which 50% of the costs relating to the implementation of HIV/Aids workplace programmes will be carried by the AIDC and the remaining 50% by the company.

The RMI further stressed the realities of HIV/Aids on the automotive industry workforce. Ms Liezel Heunis, Training Manager, confirmed that the automotive industry in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal are affected by the pandemic predominantly. More than 700 motor companies were surveyed in determining the prevalence of HIV/Aids. The results confirmed that the automotive industry is seen as 'a high risk industry' based on several factors.

Ms Mamongalo Mahlatsi, AIDC Project Manager: Socio Economic Programmes, explains: “Effective response is based on understanding HIV/Aids workplace problems – if misconceptions exist, the situation cannot be managed. It’s therefore imperative that HIV/Aids is seen as a strategic issue that needs to be addressed by all levels. The AIDC therefore promotes the importance of an all-inclusive, integrated workplace programme involving unions, management and employees. Over the past two years the AIDC has successfully signed-up 20 companies representing component manufacturers, suppliers and dealerships across the board indicating the tremendous need for industry advice and assistance."

Mr Johannes Mangoejane, HR Manager for the Automotive Leather Company, presented a perspective on his company's involvement with the AIDC and the positive effects pro-active HIV/Aids awareness and education programmes have on the workforce.

The discussions were combined with industrial theatre presented by Learning Theatre bringing home realities experienced by the automotive industry.

..... the Eastern Cape kicks off HIV/Aids workplace development programme

With the promise of increased efficiency and profitability to the automotive sector the AIDC launched its HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, February 25, 2004.

Ms Alice Mak’Ochieng, Project Manager for Socio-Economic Programmes of the AIDC Eastern Cape, stressed that comprehensive HIV/AIDS workplace programmes would have to be implemented as a matter of urgency if the South African automotive industry, which accounts for almost 1 percent of world vehicle output, hoped to grow its share of world production.

“HIV/Aids is having an economic effect on business and those companies which do not invest in programmes will be significantly disadvantaged. Looking at the negative impact HIV/Aids has on the economy and its bottom-line profits, through among others lower productivity and absenteeism, the cost of NOT taking action far exceeds the costs of such programmes. It is imperative that proactive measures are taken to tackle this pandemic head on,’’ she said.

The AIDC works in partnership with business, government departments and other organisations to invigorate competitiveness improvement in the automotive industry. Its services include supplier development, logistical services, design, engineering and testing services, human resource development, SME and BEE development and government support programmes.

For more information about the HIV/Aids Workplace Programmes and available funds please contact Mamongalo Mahlatsi - mmahlatsi@aidc.co.za or Alice Mak’Ochieng - amakochieng@aidc.co.za.


AIDC INTRODUCES INTERNAL HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE PROGRAMME


The AIDC recently launched its internal HIV/AIDS workplace programme. The internal programme will concentrate on the seven components of the external industry workplace programme as co-ordinated by the Human Resource Development department. Although the programme focuses on the workplace, it will also assist families, friends and the broader community of staff members to a better understanding of the illness. The coordinator, Louise de Lange, can be contacted at ldelange@aidc.co.za.




This page was last updated on: 19 March 2004