KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli led the provincial commemoration of World AIDS Day at the KwaCaluza Indoor Sports Centre under the uMgungundlovu District Municipality on Tuesday, 02 December 2025.
The Premier was joined by MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane, uMgungundlovu District Mayor Cllr Mzi Zuma, and other dignitaries. The commemoration took place against the backdrop of rising HIV, TB, and STI statistics in the district, which remains one of the most affected areas in the province.
During his address, Premier Ntuli urged all residents living with HIV to prioritise adherence to treatment, take their medication punctually and responsibly, and consistently use protection to prevent reinfection. He stressed that disciplined treatment adherence is essential not only for personal health, but also for preventing further transmission within communities.
The programme also highlighted the high disease burden in the uMsunduzi Local Municipality, which accounts for 61 percent of the uMgungundlovu population. According to the Q1 2025/26 reporting period, the municipality recorded:
• 1 167 individuals testing HIV positive
• 454 sexually transmitted infections treated
• 688 new TB cases confirmed
These figures reaffirm uMsunduzi as the district’s most affected municipality in relation to HIV, TB, and STIs, underscoring the urgent need for intensified prevention programmes, expanded access to healthcare services, and strengthened partnerships between government, civil society, and local communities.
The dignitaries later joined the symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, held in remembrance of those who lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. The ceremony also served as a sign of hope for families affected by the pandemic and a recommitment to building a future where new infections and AIDS-related deaths become increasingly rare.
World AIDS Day remains a powerful reminder of the province’s ongoing fight against HIV and AIDS, and the provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to prevention, treatment, and sustained community engagement.