Nhlangothi honoured at community awards

KwaThema – Stanley Nhlangothi was honoured for pioneering HIV/Aids and TB activism in Kwatsaduza.

Organised by the Thabang Xaba Foundation, the Community Leadership Awards, held on October 6, aimed to recognise people who have shaped the community of KwaThema.

Nhlangothi was born and raised in KwaThema.

In the wake of the fall of the apartheid regime, he went to the former Technikon SA to study criminology.

He graduated with an M. Tech degree in 1999.

“I was exposed to prisons at a young age, visiting people.

“By the age of 11, I knew I wanted to work in that system somehow,” he says.

He has since obtained multiple post-degree certificates in public relations, local government and correctional services management, among others.

“I developed a passion for my community while I was part of different youth formations and non-governmental organisations.”

Nhlangothi served as the president of Oasis Rover Crew between 1993 and 1996.

“Rover Crew ran a drop-in centre which provides HIV counselling, referrals and a peer education programme for prisoners.

“At our after-school programme we assist school-going orphans as well as other vulnerable children and youth from 10 to 15 years of age with their homework.

“They take part in physical activities and we provide them with a daily meal.”

The organisation also runs a monthly HIV support group.

“There are social auxiliary workers on site who provide psycho-social support and counselling.

“Statutory work is referred to social workers.”

They also help people with applications for identity documents, social grants and birth certificates by referring them to the relevant departments.

He is the director and founder of New Image Rover Crew (NIRC), a non-profit organisation with the mission of providing HIV/Aids awareness through prevention campaigns.

In 2005, Nhlangothi, with the help of the European Union (EU), spearheaded an extension of NIRC to Daggafontein, Struisbuilt and Vukuzenzele, called Partnership in the Delivery of Primary Healthcare Services including Aids.

NIRC’s services are available on weekdays between 8am and 4.30pm at 30 Morudi Street, KwaThema.