Remarks from the SANAC Co-Chair
Mr Solly Nduku
SANAC Co-Chairperson
World AIDS Day Commemoration,
01 December 2025
His Excellency, The Deputy President of South Africa & SANAC Co-chair, Mr Paul Mashatile
kgoshigadi
Honourable nr Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi,
Honourable Premier of the Province
Honourable MEC’s present
Members of the tribal Council
Honourable Executive mayor & Councillors
Civil Society Forum Sector Leaders
CSF Provincial Chairpersons
Representatives of Private Sector
Representative from UN Agencies, Ms Eva Kiwango
CEO of SANAC Dr Xulu and the team from the Secretariat
Comrades, Friends, Colleagues,
Good Morning,
Today, Comrades, we have gathered not merely as attendees, but as active participants in a historic journey, a journey defined by resilience, commitment and shared responsibility. We stand together to take stock of where we are, to evaluate the progress we have made, and to reposition ourselves for the road that lies ahead. The path we are travelling requires determination, unshaken courage and the constant renewal of our energy and resolve. This fight calls not for passive presence, but for active engagement.
We are here, Comrades, to reflect on our victories both big and small and to confront our challenges with honesty and strategy. We gather to chart a new direction as we march toward the elimination of HIV and TB as public health threats by 2030. This is not a dream it is an achievable goal, guided by our National Strategic Plan, and we declare today that we are ready to conquer that destination together.
Comrades, it would be a grave injustice if we do not recognise and applaud the decisive leadership of the SANAC Plenary, led by the Honourable Deputy President. Last year, when we stood on this podium, we called for the implementation of 6MMD and today we stand with gratitude and appreciation because the call was answered. He delivered. That leadership has given us momentum, even during times where resources are strained and financial challenges threaten to weaken our progress. But instead of discouraging us, these challenges must push us to work even harder so that none of the gains we have made are lost. We must defend our progress with all we have.
Comrades, we are close very close. Now more than ever, we must encourage one another. Let us support our brothers, sisters, parents and children who are on treatment, and encourage them to remain adherent to ART. Consistent treatment ensures that 95% of people living with HIV remain undetectable, and undetectable means untransmittable. That is how we eliminate new infections. This is how we win.
We must continue amplifying HIV testing. When people test negative, preventive tools are available to protect them. When they test positive, we must ensure immediate treatment initiation so that no one slips through the cracks. Let us lead with love, with information and with action. We further urge women especially women living with HIV to undergo cervical cancer screening, because prevention and early detection saves lives.
Tuberculosis remains a parallel challenge, and as Civil Society we say loudly TB is still our fight. We call upon every Comrade, every community member, every household, to prioritise TB screening so that we can collectively reach our 5 million screening target by 2026. If we stand together, we can meet and surpass that goal.
Comrades, Close the Gap remains a critical intervention that has helped rebuild momentum toward the 95-95-95 targets after disruptions caused by the USAID withdrawal. The evidence is visible in communities and clinics, and therefore we call on the Honourable Minister to safeguard and further strengthen this programme. The results speak for themselves. Our journey requires a united front no fragmentation, no division. SANAC remains our coordinating force, and with it we are well-positioned to achieve elimination by 2030.
We also raise an urgent voice regarding cervical cancer, which poses a heightened threat to women living with HIV. We cannot afford silence. We encourage screening and promote vaccination as a powerful tool of prevention. Our health is our power.
To our SANAC Co-Chairs, national and provincial secretariats we recognise your work, your sacrifices, your leadership. Civil Society sees you, appreciates you, and stands with you. Our communities depend on us and we dare not fail them.
Today, we also rise to address another epidemic Gender Based Violence and Femicide. We call on all men to take responsibility, to be protectors of life, not perpetrators of harm. We urge men to visit health facilities for HIV testing and TB screening, for a nation cannot progress while its men fear healthcare or silence their pain.
We also call on government to seriously consider the plea from the sex workers sector for legalisation. Legal recognition is safety. Legal recognition is dignity. Legal recognition strengthens the HIV response. We cannot speak about inclusion while excluding those most vulnerable.
Comrades, we celebrate scientific progress particularly the breakthrough of Lenacapavir, a game changer in HIV prevention. As we move toward 2030, long-acting preventive options will protect millions. We encourage adolescent girls, young women and all key populations to consider this prevention method just two injections a year bring freedom, consistency and hope. We eagerly await its rollout next year.
Honourable Deputy President, Honourable Minister, SANAC CEO, MEC, SANAC Co-Chairs, sector leaders xhubani zinkokheli ziphambu kwenu!
We stand with you, we walk beside you, and we carry this vision with you.
The mission continues. The commitment deepens. The SANAC CSF IS CALLING for:
“Renewed Efforts and Sustainable Commitments to End AIDS”
Amandla!