BOPHELONG. – The Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) Executive Mayor who is also the Chairperson of the Sedibeng District AIDS Council, Lerato Maloka, engaged learners at Mahareng Secondary School in Boipatong on Tuesday, October 13.
The event was part of the was a Pre-World AIDS Day activities which commenced on 01 October 2026.
The dialogue began with a round table discussion between district-based support team within Gauteng Department of Education, school management, government departments and civil society forum leadership which looked at the school’s key concerns, existing interventions and the support and referral pathways available in tackling HIV, GBVF, learner pregnancy, as well as other challenges such as bullying, substance abuse and other forms of violence.
Addressing the learners, Maloka stressed that protecting young people is a shared responsibility of parents, schools, government and communities.
“Protecting our learners requires more than government programmes. It requires active parents, supportive schools, responsive services and communities that care about the safety and wellbeing of every child. Parents are the first line of protection. Our children need parents and caregivers who listen without immediately judging, who create safe spaces for difficult conversations and who are willing to seek help when their children are struggling,” said Maloka.
She further encouraged open conversations about relationships, HIV prevention, violence and peer pressure. She also urged young people to be mindful of their conduct on social media and of how it affects their future.
Maloka encouraged learners to feel free to speak to trusted adults and professionals about their struggles without fear of judgement.
Condoms remain important because they help prevent HIV.
On HIV prevention, she called for greater awareness of, and access to, new options such as lenacapavir, a long-acting injection given every six months to eligible individuals in line with national guidelines and service availability.
Condoms remain important because they help prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, both, she said, must be backed by accurate information, accessible health services and responsible decision-making.
“Learners who experience abuse or become pregnant should be protected and supported to continue their education, not shamed or abandoned.”
Maloka also called on boys and men to take an active role in challenging harmful social norms that perpetuate GBVF and work together in preventing violence.
The dialogue included contributions from the Departments of Social Development, the HIV and AIDS Unit, and the School Health Directorate.
The importance of knowing ones status was also emphasised as this enables learners living with HIV to access the necessary care and support, while those who test HIV-negative can receive guidance and support to maintain their status.
The dialogue formed part of SDM’s build-up to the World AIDS Day commemoration, which will be hosted in Lesedi Local Municipality on 27 November 2026.
