Johnnic Communications (Johncom) is South Africa's leading media and entertainment company. Johncom is a world-class supplier of media, including national newspapers, magazines and digital services, and a globally competitive entertainment company, which produces and distributes local and international music, film and books.

The company is committed to creating a supportive environment in which employees with life threatening illnesses are able to continue working under normal conditions in their current employment for as long as they are medically fit to do so.

It has also committed itself to the principle that HIV/AIDS education is the most effective way of managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace and that it is only through education that behaviour can be altered.

The company’s education process has been incorporated in the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and the objectives are to:

• Provide employees with accurate medical information in order to allay fears/perceptions.
  

• Communicate knowledge of routes of transmission of HIV and risk reduction information against HIV-related diseases.
  

• Promote understanding and sensitivity among fellow workers.

• Give instructions on procedures for dealing with the occurrence of HIVrelated diseases.
  

• Give employees details of whom to approach for confidential medical consultations.