The Impact of HIV/AIDS on eThekwini Businesses

The emergence of HIV/AIDS as an epidemic has affected many aspects of life. It has affected the livelihoods of individuals, their families, friends, and their means of survival and betterment of life such as relationships, work, and wealth. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has affected first world countries as well as third world countries, globally. However, the main aim of the study has been to identify the impact of HIV/AIDS on eThekwini businesses. eThekwini was the main focus of the study because it is the economic hub of KwaZulu-Natal. The Impact of HIV/AIDS on eThekwini Businesses is a quantitative study which used a questionnaire to solicit responses from managers of profit-making organisations. The study intended to reveal the extent of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the profitability of the organisations and the costs incurred by employers in trying to deal with the disease. The study managed to reveal challenges faced by employers as well employees in an organisation. Employees were faced with the fear of victimisation based on their HIV/AIDS status. The fear of being dismissed and discriminated against because of their HIV/AIDS status forced employees not to disclose their status.