Today, the 8th of December 2025, Lekwa Local Municipality joined the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day, together with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, awareness campaign.
The commemoration took place at the Standerton show grounds, where community members, leaders, and various departments gathered in solidarity to raise awareness and strengthen the fight against HIV & AIDS and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Lekwa Local Municipality continues to demonstrate its commitment to building safer, healthier, and empowered communities. The programme highlighted the importance of multisectoral collaboration in addressing social challenges. In partnership with government departments and sector stakeholders, the municipality led a peaceful march from the Standerton show grounds to the Standerton magistrate Court to formally submit a memorandum, calling for intensified support, improved services, and stronger community engagement in the fight against HIV & AIDS and GBV.
After delivering the memorandum, attendees marched back to the Standerton show grounds, where a structured programme unfolded. Speakers from various departments shared insights on the ongoing prevalence of HIV & AIDS, the social and emotional impact of GBV, and the need for community-wide participation in prevention, education, and early intervention.
Messages of hope, resilience, and collective responsibility echoed throughout the event.
Addressing the community, MMC for Community Services and Safety, Cllr. Mapaseka Molaba, delivered a powerful message, urging all stakeholders to remain committed beyond the days dedicated for these campaigns.
She stated: “Today’s commemoration reminds us that the fight against HIV & AIDS and Gender-Based Violence is not a one-day event, but a daily commitment. As a community, we must stand together, protect one another, and build a future where every person lives in safety, dignity, and hope.”
Her words reinforced the municipality’s stance that meaningful progress requires unity, consistent action, and an unwavering dedication to protecting vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and people living with HIV.
The municipality extends its gratitude to all partners, departments, and community members who took part in the day’s activities. Their involvement reflects a strong, collective determination to create a society free from stigma, discrimination, and violence, where every resident has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life.