Company: DaimlerChrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Company Description: DaimlerChrysler SA is one of the largest foreign investments in South Africa. The company's manufacturing plant uses state-of-the-art technology. DCSA manufacturers and markets quality vehicles, parts and service. It markets a full range of passenger and commercial vehicles including: Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner trucks, Chrysler and Jeep and Mitsubishi passenger cars and Canter trucks.
Nomination Category: Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Human Resources Organization

Nomination Title: DaimlerChrysler HIV/Aids Workplace Programme

Tell the story about what this nominated organization achieved in the past year (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

In 1998 there was a noticeable increase in the number of employee deaths in
DaimlerChrysler South Africa.  This promoted an investigation and it was
discovered that a growing number of deaths appeared to be attributable to AIDS-
related illnesses.  The company decided at this stage to upgrade its existing
HIV/AIDS Programme and began planning for this.  In 1999 DCSA was
approached by the GTZ (Technical Cooperation Agency of the German Ministry of
Economic Cooperation), which expressed interest in forming a Private Public
Partnership to combat HIV/AIDS.  In 2000 a three-year Private Public Partnership
agreement between DCSA and GTZ was signed. 

In terms of the agreement DCSA committed a budget of R6 million for the three-
year programme.  While it was initially envisaged that the programme would
endure for a three-year period, it was subsequently realised that an ongoing
commitment was necessary and a full-time Medical Advisor has been appointed to
continue the programme and manage other occupational health and employee
wellness issues.

This policy gives protection to employees against discrimination and
stigmatisation and since 1999 antiretroviral drugs for employees and their families
have been available on the company medical aid scheme. 

The programme is underpinned by a comprehensive policy, which has 4 main
pillars: Information and Education Campaigns; Treatment and Care; Employee
Benefits and Community Initiatives. 

The programme is unique in the breadth and depth of its interventions, the high
standards of measurable goals it sets, the commitment of management, the Union
and all levels of staff alike.

AN INNOVATIVE, YET SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
The DaimlerChrysler South Africa (DCSA) HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme is
unique in the combination of initiatives and processes that ensure its long-term
impact and sustainability.  The programme, in fact, aims at institutionalising into
the business the management of the effects of HIV/AIDS on DCSA, its employees
and their communities.

Distinctive characteristics of the programme include:

- Private Public Partnership (PPP) with GTZ

- Long-term focus

- Breadth and depth of initiatives

- Systematic ongoing monitoring and evaluation

- Positive commitment from management, staff and union

The DCSA HIV/AIDS Programme should not receive recognition because of its
sophisticated information, education and communication campaigns, not for its
comprehensive healthcare package, not because it provides antiretroviral treatment
(even after retrenchment) not because of its comprehensive policy, not because of
its innovative attendance scheme and not for its many community outreach
initiatives.  Neither should the programme be recognised because of the more than
one hundred individuals from DCSA and GTZ who devote much of their working
day, some of their private time and all of their passion to it on a daily basis.  The
DaimlerChrysler South HIV/Aids Programme should however receive an award for
the fact that it is a unique and effective blend of all of the above, making it one of
the most comprehensive and visionary programmes in the world.

List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. IMPORTANT: Begin each link with http://, and enclose each link in square brackets; for example, [http://www.youraddress.com]:

http://www.hivaids.daimlerchrysler.co.za/stevieawards
http://www.hivaids.daimlerchrysler.com
http://www.daimlerchrysler.co.za

Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader(s) of this nominated organization:

Sponsor champions of DaimlerChrysler South Africa's HIV/Aids Programme

Mr Christoph Köpke, DCSA's Chairman while talking to some of the staff, summed up the Company’s sentiments – “In the grand scheme of things at DCSA the cost
of ignoring HIV/AIDS is not significant, but this is not about costs, this is about
humanity – about improving lives, about saving lives.”

Mr Mtutuzeli Tom, president of the National Union of Metalworkers of South
Africa: "all of us have a responsibility to ensure we actively participate in making
all those around us aware of HIV/AIDS and its effects. This is not easy because
the stigma associated with the disease and because of its cultural sensitivity, but
we have to face these difficult challenges because we have to save the lives of out
people and beat the scourge of HIV/AIDS."