SABCOHA was created in 1997 after the launch of the Global Business Coalition. A few key individuals and companies perceived the need for a business response to the pandemic in South Africa and a board of governors was formed. SABCOHA's strategic goal is to co-ordinate the South African business sector in the development of strategies through its sub-committees to create a platform for high-level advocacy and leadership. The challenge of the steering committee and its various sub-committees is to develop policies and programmes based on universal good practice that can be applied both in and outside the workplace.