Abstract:
Despite the laudable progress on HIV and AIDS interventions encountered in South
Africa, new HIV infection remains a challenge. Limpopo Department of Agriculture is
not an exception as far as new HIV infections are concerned, regardless of the
intervention efforts made. This study aimed at exploring on perceptions of LDA
employees on social-behavioural and structural core drivers of HIV infection.
Qualitative research methodologies were applied. A purposive sample of twenty
participants (10 men and 10 women) was selected from Department of Agriculture,
Mopani District, Limpopo Province. Constructivism and structuralism theoretical
framework were used to navigate the study. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews
were designed. Data was collected through interviews, audio-recorded and
transcribed. Eight steps of data analysis were followed as proposed by Creswell.
Guidelines for the prevention of new HIV infection were developed.
Some of the major findings are that: the socio-behavioural core drivers that place all
partners at risk of contracting new HIV infections is the Multiple Sexual Partnerships
(MSPs). Age-disparate relationships in a workplace were also socio-behavioural
drivers of new HIV infection. Young women and men who enter into age-disparate
relationships have intention of obtaining permanent employment. Patriarchy was
found to be amongst the structural core drivers of new HIV infections. The fact that
men are not tested involuntarily is viewed as a structural barrier towards eliminating
the spread of new HIV infections. Stigma has been also found to be a core driver of
new HIV infections.
Some conclusions made are: MSPs is a closed sexual network system,
characterised by “secrecy” and “trust”. Despite some reforms purporting to improve
women’s status, patriarchal domination is still at its toll. Unsymbolised stigma
remains a threat towards elimination of the spread of HIV infections. The major
recommendations are that working women still require empowerment in number of
areas of their social functioning, and the leadership involvement in the fight against
the spread of new HIV infections.
