In commemoration of World AIDS Day 2025, Vulamathuba Empumelelo, with heartfelt support from SANTAM, delivered one of its most far-reaching HIV & AIDS awareness programmes yet. Across schools, community complexes, bursary cohorts, and the Adult Matric Programme, the initiative directly impacted 1,353 people and reached thousands more through SMS outreach, flyers, and media engagement.
This year’s awareness drive arrived at a critical time. While South Africa continues to make progress in HIV prevention and treatment, the country has not been untouched by global shifts. The funding cuts made during the Trump administration reduced support to several international HIV and global health bodies, leaving many local clinics strained. ARV shortages and limited resources have placed pressure on already vulnerable communities.
In this context, the programme’s mission became more urgent: to empower, educate, and restore dignity. Thanks to SANTAM’s support and our valuable collaborations with the University of the Western Cape HIV & AIDS Unit and YMCA, Vulamathuba was able to respond with targeted, compassionate, community-based action.
Reaching schools, strengthening awareness
Sinenjongo High School – 812 learners
With 15 UWC peer educators facilitating the sessions, Sinenjongo High School became one of the most powerful sites of impact. Conversations covered consent, stigma, prevention, disclosure laws, and the importance of empathy.
A pivotal moment came when a learner shared how they had been bullied after peers discovered their HIV status. Teachers expressed that the session “could not have arrived at a better time.” Students learned about the legal protections surrounding confidentiality and the real consequences of stigma.
A teacher, Mr Zulu, shared:
“Our students come from marginalised backgrounds, and these types of services are rare for them. I would love to express my deepest thank you to the Vulamathuba Initiative.”
The session opened doors to questions learners had struggled to ask for years.
Maitland High School – 380 learners
At Maitland High School, learners initially responded with nervous laughter, but quickly warmed up once they understood the session was a safe space. One student privately shared concerns about accessing ARVs due to recent clinic shortages.
Ms Apleni, Life Orientation teacher, reflected:
“As people of colour, topics like these with students under 18 have been taboo for years. We were sceptical before inviting you, but the way Vulamathuba delivered this session is something we truly took notes from.”
Teachers noted that they, too, gained knowledge they had not received in their own training.
Adult Matric Programme – 41 participants
Adults aged 21 to 40 engaged in deeply honest discussions facilitated by UWC peer educators. For many, it was their first encounter with female condoms, dental dams, and LGBTQ-inclusive prevention tools.
Participant Shifaa shared:
“Being LGBTQ already carries stigma. Adding HIV fear makes it worse. Today was the first time someone spoke to us with honesty and respect. I now feel empowered to support my friends who have been scared to seek help.”
Participants left empowered with knowledge they could take home to loved ones.
Children’s complexes – YMCA Life Skills Programme (90 children)
YMCA facilitated age-appropriate HIV education for children in the Bothasig, Reger Court, and Drommedaris complexes. Children asked brave questions and expressed fears rooted in stigma.
“It’s not easy to tell people your status. They judge you,” one child said.
Another added, “If my friend is judged, they will think I have HIV too.”
Facilitators helped correct misconceptions and instil compassion and confidence.
Bursary students – Reflection hike (30 participants)
During a reflective hike, UWC peer educator Rolene guided bursary students through discussions on global health, the World Health Organisation, and how international politics affect HIV treatment access in South African communities.
One student, Zandiswa, reflected:
“HIV isn’t just a disease. It’s social, political, and economic. We need to think bigger.”
Students left with an expanded understanding of HIV as both a personal and global issue.
Community outreach beyond sessions
To reinforce the face-to-face sessions, Vulamathuba extended awareness through:
- 3570 SMS messages
- 800 flyers
- An estimated 3,000 readers reached through digital articles
This ensured that even those who could not attend were still equipped with essential information.
A month of life-changing work
Across one month, the programme succeeded in:
- Reducing stigma and misinformation
- Providing accurate, age-appropriate and LGBTQ-inclusive education
- Supporting communities struggling with ARV shortages
- Encouraging advocacy and empowering youth voices
- Creating safe and open dialogue across schools, complexes, and academic spaces
Total reached directly: 1353 people
Overall reach through outreach efforts: more than 7000
A word of gratitude to SANTAM
This transformative work would not have been possible without SANTAM’s continued support. Your partnership strengthens community education, bridges healthcare gaps, and expands access to critical information that saves lives.
Looking ahead
While World AIDS Day marks a single moment, Vulamathuba’s commitment is continuous. Through our partnerships with UWC, YMCA, and SANTAM, we hope to deepen our reach, strengthen our sessions, and ensure that every learner, parent, educator, and community member feels informed, supported, and empowered.
Activity corner: Myth or fact?
Take a moment to test your own HIV knowledge with this quick activity. If you find yourself unsure about some of these questions, it means you’re exactly like many of the learners we worked with, curious, in need of clarity, and ready to learn.
Myth or fact?
- You can get HIV by sharing food, touching, or hugging someone who is HIV positive.
- If two people are HIV positive, they do not need to use condoms.
- ARVs completely remove the virus from your body.
- A person who is HIV positive can give birth to an HIV-negative baby.
- You only need to test for HIV if you have symptoms.
If some of these surprised you, you’re not alone. These are the same questions that sparked powerful discussions in our sessions. Knowledge is the first step toward empowerment and reducing stigma.
