AHF Announces New PLHIV Sector Leader, CSF Chair for Lesedi Municipality and co-chair to Executive Mayor in the AIDS Council with the Sedibeng District

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)  envisions strengthened PLHIV Voices through PLHIV Sector Leader position in the Lesedi Municipality 

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mmatsie Tsotetsi as the PLHIV sector leader and CSF chairperson for Lesedi Local municipality.  She takes up the position of co-chair to the executive mayor in the Local AIDS Council in the Sedibeng district under the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Civil Society Forum. Tsotetsi is AHF South Africa’s Provincial Prevention Manager for Gauteng.

“AHF has been active in the Sedibeng district since 2015, partnering with communities to ensure quality HIV services and amplify community voices. Tsotetsi's new role will enhance AHF's ability to provide technical expertise and support to SANAC's National Strategic Plan for HIV, STI, and TB. I am committed to addressing gaps in the HIV, TB, and STI response and empowering young people to engage in health policy processes effectively as I take up this new role” says Tsotetsi

Operating in South Africa since 2002, AHF continues to provide cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 200,000 PLHIV across 53 health facilities in three provinces, working in close collaboration with the government and partners. In 2024 alone, AHF has distributed over 1.8 million condoms, supporting national efforts to combat HIV and STI transmission.

"Working with SANAC at a policy level allows us to elevate community voices in influencing HIV, TB, and STI strategies, and this appointment strengthens our capacity to collaborate and advocate for effective implementation of the National Strategic Plan,” emphasised Ngaatendwe Murombedzi, AHF’s Regional Advocacy and Policy Manager for Southern Africa. AHF's role extends beyond Lesedi; it holds an alternate lead chair position in the City of Johannesburg PLHIV sector, reinforcing active collaboration and participation in community spaces.

“In order to win the battle against HIV we should allow young people to be involved and lead in HIV interventions because there is no us without us, we can only be the HIV free generation through access to quality, optimised TB, HIV, SRH and treatment prevention methods and diagnostic tools to be made accessible in all provinces across South Africa” says Gcina Sawuka Treatment Action Campaign Gauteng Sector Representation and SANAC PLHIV Sector CSF Deputy Chair

As AHF continues to champion community-led approaches, it remains steadfast in amplifying marginalised voices and advancing HIV/TB awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment initiatives nationwide.

About AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)

AHF is the largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider globally. Operating in 45 countries, AHF provides comprehensive HIV treatment and care, including antiretroviral therapy, and advocates for sound HIV/AIDS policies. 

For more information, visit www.freehivtest.org.za

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Ngaatendwe Murombedzi

AIDS Healthcare FoundationRegional Advocacy and Policy Manager Southern AfricaBruma| JohannesburgCell: +27664770819