In its efforts to address the problem of HIV/Aids, the South African automotive industry is to implement a new software solution to tackle HIV/Aids in the workplace.
The programme — EDEN for HIV/Aids — was developed by Stellenbosch-based Indutech (Pty) Ltd, in conjunction with various HIV consultancies and following consultation with automotive industry suppliers.
The Automotive Industry Development Centre has become the first buyer of the programme and will implement it in the automotive industry — South Africa’s largest manufacturing sector employing more than 250 000 people.
Indutech is a venture company that commercialises and markets EDEN software initiated and developed by Stellenbosch University’s Global Competitiveness Centre.
Indutech CEO Niek du Preez says the programme will provide the industry with practical and user-friendly software for step-by-step implementation, through various components that form a comprehensive HIV workplace programme.
These include a commencement cycle (situation analysis, assessments, policy and strategy) as well as an intervention cycle (programmes, training, wellness, care and support).
“As the industry demonstrated export growth rates of fully-built vehicles of 37% per annum since 1995, protecting its workforce against the devastating effects of Aids was a clear priority and we trust that the EDEN programme will be an effective tool in achieving this.”
Du Preez says the programme, which has already been tested extensively in South Africa, is also being rolled out to other business sectors with large numbers of employees.
“Companies using the programme will have a competitive advantage, as they will be able to act timeously and professionally in managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace in a cost-effective way.
“Indutech and the sponsors of the software have also decided to make this resource available internationally and not to restrict access to it, giving South Africa a competitive advantage in world markets. The first international editions cater for motor industry needs in Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, where both vehicle and component workers are facing increasing impacts from HIV/Aids among their skilled workers,” he said. – I-Net Bridge