World Aids Day is commemorated annually on December 1 to raise awareness about HIV and Aids, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have lost their lives to the epidemic.

In observance of this important day, Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM), in partnership with the Department of Health (DoH), SAPS, traditional leaders, local councillors and the Department of Social Development (DSD) successfully hosted awareness campaigns in the Ngwaabe and Ga-Mampuru communities.
The first campaign was held in Ngwaabe on December 9, followed by the Ga-Mampuru campaign on December 11.

Both events followed the global theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the Aids response,” which calls for renewed efforts to address challenges such as funding constraints, stigma, discrimination and punitive laws that continue to hinder progress towards ending Aids by 2030. The theme further emphasised the need for strong political leadership and human rights-centred approaches in the fight against HIV and Aids.

The campaigns were well attended by community members who responded to the call to educate themselves about the disease and take a vital step towards knowing their HIV status. The programmes also incorporated awareness on the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, recognising gender-based violence (GBV) as a national crisis closely linked to HIV vulnerability.

Representatives of the DSD highlighted the importance of knowing one’s HIV status to enable early initiation of treatment and stressed that adherence to medication is vital. They outlined the department’s role in HIV and GBV interventions, which include providing comprehensive psychosocial and social support to affected individuals, as well as driving community mobilisation programmes. These initiatives are implemented in collaboration with other government departments and civil society organisations, focusing on both prevention and long-term support.

During the engagements, the DSD shared key national developments in the fight against HIV and Aids. Reference was made to an announcement by South Africa’s minister of health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, regarding the planned rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral prevention injection administered twice a year. The rollout, expected around March or April 2026, will prioritise adolescent girls and young women. While not a vaccine, Lenacapavir is a form of long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis offering six months of protection per dose. Community members were encouraged to make use of all available prevention and treatment resources.

The SAPS representatives reaffirmed their role as law-enforcement partners within the community and urged residents to report any form of abuse or ill-treatment. They committed to working closely with social workers and community organisations to strengthen efforts aimed at combating and ultimately ending GBV in local communities.

Speaking on behalf of DCM, sustainable development manager Remember Mmbengwa expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and community members for attending the campaigns. He reaffirmed the mine’s commitment to community health and wellbeing, highlighting ongoing efforts to bring health services closer to communities through free outreach campaigns. He further encouraged residents not to wait for awareness events, but to visit local clinics regularly for health checks.

Mmbengwa also outlined DCM’s broader socio-economic development initiatives, including the installation of electricity in Ntswaneng Village, an ongoing water project in Kalkfontein, collaboration with neighbouring mines on the construction of the steel bridge, and the development of a proper road and bridge in Ga-Phasha, to ensure safe access to schools during rainy seasons. In addition, DCM continues to support local small businesses and individuals, underscoring the mine’s commitment to improving the quality of life within its host communities.

The DoH emphasised that no one is immune to HIV and highlighted the importance of early treatment to prevent the virus from progressing to Aids. The department reiterated its goal of achieving 95% HIV viral suppression and ensuring 95% of people know their HIV status, while also encouraging consistent use of condoms available at all local clinics.

The campaigns were further enriched by the presence of an HIV ambassador, who courageously shared her personal journey of living with HIV. She emphasised that healing begins with acceptance and disclosure to trusted family members for support. She committed to establishing a local support group for people living with HIV and encouraged adherence to medical treatment, dispelling myths that HIV can be cured through traditional healing.
Both events concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony and a moment of silence in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to HIV and Aids.

The strong turnout at both campaigns demonstrated the community’s commitment to prioritising health and wellbeing and reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between stakeholders in the fight against HIV, Aids and GBV.