The initiative is part of loveLife’s 2012 Nakanjani campaign which will lead young people in a movement of hope, solidarity and affirmation.

“We realised that young people put themselves at risk not because they don’t know how to protect themselves, but because they have little reason to protect their lives,” said loveLife CEO, Grace Matlhape.

Those who will take part in the rallies are encouraged to seek internships, scholarships, bursaries and job opportunities. “Those who feel hopeless put themselves at risk of HIV because they believe they have little to look forward to in life.”

Unemployment, poverty, lack of education and perceived lack of access to educational opportunities are strongly associated to HIV infections, she said.

Rallies will be held in Knysna, Western Cape on July 21; in the Eastern Cape’s Bizana, Motherwell and Umtata Centres on July 27;  at  Acornhoek Y-Centre in Mpumalanga on July 28 and on August 9 at the Western Cape’s Langa Y-Centre.