Annual Report - JD Group

one million account holders. Based on these projections, the
Group embarked on a repositioning strategy to minimise the
impact of the epidemic on its current and future markets via a
combination of the following:
■ expansion into other markets such as Poland;
■ discontinuation of certain chains within the Group and
adjustments to other chains;
■ decreased exposure to geographical high risk areas;
■ introduction of additional products such as financial services;
and
■ improved credit risk monitoring and management.
The above repositioning strategies are now bearing fruit. The
Group’s retirement and life and disability insurance schemes were
also restructured to minimise the impact of HIV/Aids.
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Mitzvah School
Together with the Department of Health, the Group maintains an
HIV/Aids awareness programme at all major workplaces.
There is a disciplined approach to the gathering and analysis of all
relevant data, which allows for regular updates of business models
that monitor both the internal (human resources) and external
(markets, business partners and customers) impacts of the
epidemic. As a result, management are able to make informed
decisions about HIV related business strategies.
In addition, the Group continues to foster non-discriminatory
and empathetic workplace environments that ensure that HIV
positive employees are managed with care and compassion. All
HIV positive employees have access to high quality disease
management programmes, either through their medical scheme
or state facilities, and are encouraged to access these facilities.