Gert Sibande District Municipality together with Lekwa Local Municipality, hosted the District AIDS Council in Ward 14, bringing together all municipalities within the district, government departments, civil society organisations and local leaders to discuss HIV/AIDS related progress, challenges, and interventions.
The DAC meeting forms part of World AIDS Day and the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which aims to strengthen community awareness, improve access to health services, and promote collective action against HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.
Delivering his address, Executive Mayor Cllr. Sifiso Mngomezulu emphasised the importance of community involvement and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing HIV/AIDS.
He stated: “As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that no community is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Our interventions must reach every household, and our message must inspire responsibility, prevention, and compassion.”
The programme extended beyond formal presentations and moved into direct engagement with the community. Creating a dialogue which gave valuable platform for residents to ask questions, seek clarity, and share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
In addition to the discussions, community members were provided with on-site access to essential Health and Social Development services.
The event highlighted the importance of ongoing education, particularly for young people, to encourage safer behaviours and reduce new infections, while providing materials and demonstrations to equip the community with essential knowledge.
All municipalities within the district reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnership with stakeholders and intensifying localised interventions aimed at reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence and addressing gender-based violence.