Ayanda Radebe
The Johannesburg Aids Council (JAC) officially began its work on 22 May 2025, following its successful relaunch in December last year. This collaborative platform is designed to tackle HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through a united, multi-sectoral approach.
Chaired by the City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Dada Morero, and co-chaired by civil society representative Tshepo Lekwape, JAC brings together voices from civil society, labour, youth, the business sector, tertiary institutions, and faith-based organisations.
MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina — who previously served as the MMC for Health and Social Development — was also present. She welcomed the revitalisation of the JAC and highlighted its crucial role in driving an integrated health response.
In his opening address, the Executive Mayor said: “The JAC must form a new path in Joburg, where the private sector, civil society and government work together to stop the spread of HIV.”
One of the most urgent tasks ahead is to find and treat 141 215 people in the City who are living with HIV and need to be on antiretroviral therapy by December 2025. This target is part of the national 1.1 million Close the Gap campaign, which aims to reach people who know their HIV status but are not yet receiving treatment — addressing a critical shortfall in South Africa’s HIV response.
Mandla Sithole, a youth activist who attended the meeting, said: “I hope the council will engage well with us and really make a big difference in stopping the spread of HIV and Aids among young people.”
The JAC will meet quarterly to monitor the City’s response to HIV, TB and STIs, and will advise on ways to strengthen the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs.
SOURCED FROM JOBURG WEBSITE.
