HIV and AIDS in Rustenburg, South Africa: Trends, Risk Behaviors and Some Lessons

Abstract

ABSTRACT This is a confirmatory case study on HIV and AIDS prevalence in Rustenburg Local Municipal (RLM) in South Africa’s North West Province. Quantitative data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Random stratified sampling method was used to select respondents for the study. Risk factor and behaviour data was collected using the same instrument. The results confirmed that HIV prevalence in the municipality was 11 percent which conformed to national levels. Thirty-six percent of those that who tested HIV positive were males and sixty-four percent females. Risk factor analysis indicated that on average 8.4 percent of the respondents were at risk of contracting HIV. The researcher used these findings to draw lessons for sub-Saharan countries, the main ones being that game changers need to be implemented in a structural format and conclude that ‘throwing money at the problem’ will not work as long as hindrances to a structural approach to HIV and AIDS such as culturally harmful practises remain unresolved.