The HIV infection rate in the South African population was still 20 to 23 percent in 2009. This affects the employees of Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA) as well.

For many years, CTSA has demonstrated great commitment  to AIDS projects in South Africa. Its activities have included educational measures as well as practical assistance.

For instance, employees are thoroughly educated  about the AIDS virus in the scope of training sessions. Furthermore, brochures about HIV are also readily available in the plant in Port Elizabeth. CTSA also offers its workforce daily dietary supplements that contain healthy minerals and vitamins. This strengthens the body’s defenses of employees who are infected and helps those who are not infected stay healthy. The project was started in 2003 and has been very well received by the workforce.

Continental gets the dietary supplement in the form of special oatmeal flakes from Miracle Meals Trust, a charitable organization that has taken on the task of supplying the needy with food. In return for this source of income from CTSA, Miracle Meals has pledged, for each employee receiving dietary supplement from Continental, to provide for 15 needy preschool children.

Continental is also one of the founding sponsors of the "Back to School AIDS Orphans" project. Launched in 2002, the initiative provides school uniforms and school supplies for kids whose parents have died of AIDS.  Other companies besides Continental are also participating in the project.