AIDS Foundation of South Africa

19/08/2026

Scaling Institutional Capacity Through Strategic Collaboration

In partnership with Higher Health SA, the AIDS Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) recently hosted an institutional capacity-building workshop at Coastal TVET College’s Durban Campus. This initiative equipped key duty-bearers, senior lecturers, and student support officers with the tools needed to champion comprehensive health, safety, and inclusion policies within tertiary education.

Through the strategic backing of LeverforChange, AFSA continues to scale its systemic impact through robust, collaborative ecosystems. This initiative embodies the timeless African proverb: "If you want to travel fast, go alone; if you want to travel far, go together." Lasting institutional growth relies entirely on shared responsibility, and this partnership is a testament to that philosophy.

The two-day training engaged Senior Lecturers and Student Support Officers as key duty bearers and influential policy makers within the institution. The sessions focused on strengthening institutional responses to critical student wellness challenges, including Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and Economic Strengthening, while driving targeted advocacy, mental health support, and sensitization for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

The workshop served as an interactive forum for institutional leaders to analyse operational bottlenecks, share frontline support challenges, and identify policy gaps. Participants emphasized that building institutional capacity requires ongoing professional development to effectively serve diverse student populations. Ultimately, the intervention reinforced the necessity of creating resilient, accessible, and supportive learning environments where every student can thrive safely and with dignity.

18/08/2026

Celebrating Women’s Day at Home: Empowered Women Empower the Nation 🇿🇦

At the AIDS Foundation of South Africa (AFSA), we believe that the incredible work we do out in communities starts by celebrating and uplifting our very own at home.

AFSA recently hosted a meaningful Women’s Month celebration for our female staff, creating a dedicated space to connect, reflect, encourage, and celebrate one another.

This year, we anchored our celebration around a powerful truth: "Empowered Women Empower the Nation." We paused to honour the trailblazing women who went before us, who fought fiercely for our rights and empowered our steps. Today, the women of AFSA have proudly taken over the baton. In our own unique ways, we continue their good work, paving a smoother path for the generations of young women coming after us.

The event reminded us of the importance of being willing to start over, embrace new beginnings, and continue growing through every season of life.

The celebration also included a heartfelt exchange of messages of encouragement, appreciation, and inspiration, as women took a moment to uplift and affirm one another. It was a beautiful reminder that when women support and celebrate each other, we all rise together.

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17/08/2026

Celebrating Women’s Day at Home: Empowered Women Empower the Nation 🇿🇦

At the AIDS Foundation of South Africa (AFSA), we believe that the incredible work we do out in communities starts by celebrating and uplifting our very own at home.

AFSA recently hosted a meaningful Women’s Month celebration for our female staff, creating a dedicated space to connect, reflect, encourage, and celebrate one another.

This year, we anchored our celebration around a powerful truth: "Empowered Women Empower the Nation." We paused to honour the trailblazing women who went before us, who fought fiercely for our rights and empowered our steps. Today, the women of AFSA have proudly taken over the baton. In our own unique ways, we continue their good work, paving a smoother path for the generations of young women coming after us.

The event reminded us of the importance of being willing to start over, embrace new beginnings, and continue growing through every season of life. The celebration also included a heartfelt exchange of messages of encouragement, appreciation, and inspiration, as women took a moment to uplift and affirm one another. It was a beautiful reminder that when women support and celebrate each other, we all rise together.

09/08/2026

This Women's Day, AFSA honours the courage, resilience, and contributions of women and girls across South Africa. As we mark this important day, we embrace the theme, "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls," and reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality, protecting human rights, and ensuring equitable access to health services for all.

29/07/2026

As discussions continue at the International AIDS Conference 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one message has emerged consistently over the past two days: How do we sustain the gains made in the HIV response beyond 2030?

Today's session, "Protecting the Gains and Advancing Progress in a New Era of the HIV Response," brought together global leaders, researchers, and advocates to reflect on the future of the HIV response. A key theme was the need to safeguard decades of progress while accelerating innovation to end HIV as a public health threat.

Speakers highlighted that long-term sustainability will depend on countries strengthening domestic funding and investing in resilient, locally led health systems. While scientific breakthroughs continue to transform HIV prevention and treatment, there was a strong call for increased resources to support ongoing research and the development of life-saving vaccines and other innovations.

As AFSA, we remain committed to advocating for sustainable, equitable, and community-led responses that ensure no one is left behind. Together, we must protect the progress we have made while building a future where quality HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support remain accessible for generations to come.

26/07/2026

AFSA CEO, Ntombenhle Mkhize, together with AFSA COO, Mdu Mntambo, are attending the pre-conference session focusing on advancing HIV prevention science and expanding equitable access to prevention services. The International AIDS Conference is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 26 – 31 July 2026

The AFSA delegation is proud to be amongst global leaders, researchers, policymakers, advocates, and community representatives participating in the pre-conference session focused on advancing HIV prevention science and expanding equitable access to prevention services.

The session provides a platform for sharing the latest evidence, innovations, and strategies that are shaping the future of HIV prevention. From biomedical advances to community-led approaches, the discussions reinforce the importance of ensuring that prevention services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all communities.

Through participation in these global conversations, AFSA continues to strengthen its commitment to evidence-based HIV prevention, collaboration, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the response to HIV.

17/07/2026

Honouring Madiba Through Action

The AIDS Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) commemorated Mandela Day by giving back to the community through service, kindness, and meaningful engagement at Vukani Community Centre in uMlazi.

The AFSA team came together to paint and clean the centre, helping to create a brighter, safer, and more welcoming environment for the children. Beyond the physical improvements, the team spent valuable time interacting with the children, sharing laughter, encouragement, and memorable moments that embodied the spirit of Mandela Day.

This outreach reflected AFSA's ongoing commitment to strengthening communities through compassion, partnership, and service. Mandela Day reminds us that meaningful change begins with simple acts of generosity, and that every contribution, no matter how small has the power to make a lasting difference in someone's life.

By working together, we not only improved a community space but also celebrated the values of dignity, hope, and unity that Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to promoting. These moments of connection continue to inspire us to serve with purpose and to build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

At AFSA, we believe that creating healthier communities means investing in people, nurturing hope, and leaving a positive impact wherever we serve.

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." – Nelson Mandela

Together, we continue to make every day an opportunity to create positive change.

03/07/2026

Empowering women with disabilities through skills development and economic inclusion.

As part of the AFSA NLC Programme, the AIDS Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) continues to create opportunities that promote sustainable livelihoods for women with disabilities.

A two-day Skills Development Training was successfully conducted in the uMgungundlovu District, reaching participants from the Mpofana and uMngeni Local Municipalities. The training focused on practical job readiness skills and enterprise development, equipping participants with the knowledge, confidence, and entrepreneurial capacity needed to access employment opportunities and pursue self-employment.

By investing in skills development and enterprise support, the AFSA NLC Programme is helping to remove barriers to economic participation and empowering women with disabilities to build independent, resilient, and sustainable futures.
Together, we are creating pathways to inclusion, dignity, and economic empowerment.

01/07/2026

📣 REMINDER: Applications are closing soon!

There's still time to apply for the AFSA Ukusekela Programme if your organisation is based in Harry Gwala District (KwaZulu-Natal) or Alfred Nzo District (Eastern Cape).

You can submit your application at any of the designated drop-off points listed on the poster.

⏳ Applications close on 08 July 2026.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an initiative that strengthens community-based organisations and supports lasting community impact.

📍See the poster below for the full list of drop-off points.

23/06/2026

📢 Missed our KZN, Harry Gwala district, Eastern Cape, Alfred Nzo district and North West, Bojanala Platinum district roadshows? There’s still time to connect!

Join the AFSA Ukusekela Programme team for our final virtual information session and get all the information you need about the CBO funding opportunity.

💻 Learn more about the programme
✅ Understand the application process
✅ Clarify eligibility requirements
✅ Get your questions answered
This is your last opportunity to engage directly with the team before applications close.

📅 Save the date and join us online!
🔗 78d6a6de-8806-46e7-b786-1b9ed04aab38@ffcb1d02-6621-418f-8702-336b62880eeb" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/78d6a6de-8806-46e7-b786-1b9ed04aab38@ffcb1d02-6621-418f-8702-336b62880eeb

See poster below for more details.