The research study investigates the perceptions of employees about people living with
HIV at the workplace; a case study of the National Planning Commission (NPC) in
Windhoek. The impact of employees living with HIV at the NPC is that there is
potentially a high risk of being stigmatised and discriminated against within the
workplace because there is no information about HIV and AIDS nor stigma awareness
among the employees. Stigma and discrimination can affect an employee’s
performance leading to poor services delivery.
A descriptive research method was used to analyse the reasons behind the perceptions
of employees about people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the workplace at NPC. The
questions were answered using face- to- face interviews and questionnaires and
analysed. The findings showed that employees perceive HIV and AIDS stigma and
discrimination as an issue that affect people living with HIV in the workplace. It was also
noted that there are no forums or information sessions about HIV and AIDS taking place
at the NPC therefore it is rare to find staff members discussing about HIV and AIDS at
workplace. Therefore, NPC should appoint a HIV and AIDS Counsellor or coordinator
who will be dealing with problems related to HIV and AIDS, have a HIV and AIDS policy
and programme, budget allocation, and have leadership and management supports for
the policy and programme implementation.