ON THE GROUND IN SWAZILAND: Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation

In September 2007, IOM formed a partnership with the Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation (RSSC) to reduce HIV vulnerability amongst workers in the Mhlume and Simunye Sugar Estates, with special focus on seasonal and temporary workers, as well as the community of Mhlume and Simunye Sugar Estates at large. RSSC is the largest employer in Swaziland, employing an estimated number of 5000 workers, including permanent, temporary and seasonal workers, with operations in Mhlume and Simunye Sugar Estates. Through its two business units (agricultural and manufacturing) the RSSC Group earns approximately 50 percent of Swaziland’s sugar industry’s total income.

RSSC has proactively recognised the threat posed by HIV to its business and workers, and has taken up the challenge of addressing HIV as a strategic issue within the organisation. In 2001, an HIV and AIDS tripartite Committee was formed in which management, trade unions and staff associations are represented. The Committee is led by the Managing Director, with a fulltime HIV and AIDS Co-ordinator responsible for coordinating and overseeing all HIV and AIDS activities.

The partnership with PHASMA strengthens and expands the ongoing RSSC HIV Programme. New interventions will confront gender inequalities as a driver of HIV, expand public awareness campaigns and ensure they are appropriately tailored to the Mhlume and Simunye community, and roll-out peer education on HIV within companies contracted by RSSC. Contractors employ more than 2000 employees, and though they benefit from VCT, ART and condom distribution, there is a challenge in reaching them through Peer Education.In late 2007-early 2008, RSSC is undertaking a mini survey to assess HIV knowledge and attitudes within the target group. This information will assist in developing a detailed plan of action and will ensure that the interventions developed will be tailored to the needs of contract and seasonal workers.