Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to explore employees’ attitudes towards HIV/AIDS within the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has offices at Pretoria and Cape Town, and both offices were included in the study. The sample consisted of one hundred and forty nine (149) employees of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The sample was drawn from the population utilising simple random sampling. The quantitative research approach was followed as the researcher explored attitudes of employees towards HIV/AIDS. Literature review on HIV/AIDS in the workplace was conducted. In the literature study the policies and laws regulating implementation of HIV/AIDS programme in the workplace was discussed. The impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace, and the effects of the epidemic were outlined. The literature study also included patterns of HIV/AIDS, and strategies implemented to lesson the impact of HIV/AIDS within workplaces. A practical review of strategies implemented in private and public sectors was done. The empirical part of the study focused on exploring attitudes of employees towards HIV/AIDS within the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. A questionnaire was utilised as a data collection tool and distributed to respondents. The findings of the study were based on ninety-six (96) that were returned by respondents. Findings were presented and analysed using, figures, tables, and interpreted in words. The study revealed that generally respondents have a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Findings also highlighted great need for awareness and education programmes that will equip employees in handling HIV/AIDS related situations at the workplace. Based on the findings of the study conclusions and recommendations were made regarding the improvement of HIV/AIDS programme within the department.
