The Master Builders Association of KwaZulu-Natal was the primary driver and source of funding for a HIV/AIDS awareness training and prevention project for 4 years. Focusing on the construction industry in the province, the Association adopted a two-pronged approach in its contribution to the solution.

It offered an Awareness Training module which focuses predominantly on the significant number of workers in the industry. This module concentrated on the causes of HIV / AIDS as well as addressing the myths surrounding the disease, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and avoidance measures.

Simultaneously, the Association provided a Management Training Module which concentrated on Supervisors, Foremen and various levels of management. This module put emphasis on the fair treatment of people who have HIV/AIDS. It highlighted legislative requirements e.g. Employment Equity Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act as well as the Labour Relations Act. The issues of compassion and the impact on productivity, training and absenteeism were explored.

To date, Master Builders has trained 150 management personnel at different levels. This type of training also includes General Secretaries of key Trade Unions in the construction industry in KZN. 3600 employees have also been trained on the Awareness programme. The HIV/AIDS training is not confined to members but to any manager or employee in the building industry.

Some employees volunteered for testing. Follow-up sessions were held with groups in order to get feedback regarding on-the-job implementation. Constructive feedback was received and where necessary, minor adjustments were made to the programme.