The impact of and responses to HIV/AIDS in the private security and legal services industry in South Africa

Abstract

The generalised nature of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa means that it impacts unevenly on businesses. Companies respond in varied ways, and with varied means, to the challenges posed by the epidemic. Assessment of the impacts of HIV/AIDS, and of the responses of companies to it, are critical to help mitigate the impact of the epidemic on productivity, labour costs, and the supply of skills.

This report documents the first study of its kind to be conducted in the private security and legal services industries, and provides clarity on the current status of both industries in terms of the prevalence and incidence rates of HIV, the impact of the epidemic on businesses in the sectors, and their responses to HIV/AIDS thus far.

The findings represent a first step in the continued monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of the epidemic in both sectors, and the recommendations offer a starting point for refining HIV/AIDS management strategies at a sector and company level.