SABCOHA strives to help companies, both large and small, in their efforts to combat the epidemic through workplace initiatives. The organised business environment offers a unique opportunity to target the millions of employees affected by the pandemic. SABCOHA pilots projects on behalf of business, sharing the lessons learnt from each of them with the business community. Its major projects include:
-Project Promote, a condom distribution plan to re-supply condom dispensers at non-traditional sites.
-Peer Educators, offering HIV-related education, counselling and support in the workplace.
-BizAIDS, workshops offered for very small businesses in rural and urban areas which help business owners and their families assess their business, health and legal risks and take action to minimize these risks.
SABCOHA is currently engaging with the following sectors: Sex Workers, Traditional Healers and Traditional Leaders, Peer Educators, and Children.
SABCOHA was created in 1997 after the launch of the Global Business Coalition. A few key individuals and companies perceived the need for a business response to the pandemic in South Africa and a board of governors was formed. SABCOHA’s strategic goal is to co-ordinate the South African business sector in the development of strategies through its sub-committees to create a platform for high-level advocacy and leadership. The challenge of the steering committee and its various sub-committees is to develop policies and programmes based on universal good practice that can be applied both in and outside the workplace. Membership of SABCOHA is steadily growing, with smaller businesses now joining in increasing numbers. With its main office in Johannesburg, SABCOHA has now opened offices in the Eastern and Western Cape.