PRESS RELEASE
SANAC Congratulates Outgoing Civil Society Chairperson on her Appointment as Deputy Minister and Welcomes New Civil Society Forum Leaders
PRETORIA, 02 July 2024:
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) is pleased to extend its heartfelt congratulations to the outgoing Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum (CSF), Ms. Steve Letsike, on her appointment as the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities by President Cyril Ramaphosa into the country’s National Executive of the Seventh Administration.
Steve served as the Co-Chairperson of the overall SANAC Council alongside the Deputy President of South Africa, lately His Excellency Paul Mashatile. She has dedicated the better part of her adult life advocating for the rights of vulnerable and marginalised populations inclusive of women, children, people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ people and sex workers to mention a few. This appointment bears testament to her long service to the people of South Africa and her tireless efforts towards advancing human rights, social justice and the protection of vulnerable populations.
More About Steve’s Work
She is the Founder and Executive Director of Access Chapter 2, a leading Human Rights organisation focusing on LGBTI people and women and girls in their diversities in South Africa. She is a seasoned leader, with high-level international policy and human rights experience for over 18 years. She is the Co-Chair of the National Task Team of the Department of Justice on Human Rights and is the Vice President of the South African Pharmacy Council.
In 2016, Steve co-led the development of South Africa’s first ever LGBTI Plan for South Africa, which was also a first for the continent and most parts of the world. She also co-led the development of the National Intervention Strategy on Human Rights.
At an international level, she serves as the Chairperson of The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) responsible for membership in 56 states of the Commonwealth of Nations. Furthermore, she serves as a member of various UN Advisory groups; namely UN Women LGBTI Advisory Group, SADC UN Women Civil Society Advisory Group, the Women4 Global Fund Network, and other national CSO boards.
Most importantly, Steve is a mother, a feminist, a proud lesbian woman, a human rights defender, a social justice activist and a global icon!
SANAC wishes her well in this new journey has full confidence in her to execute her duties with distinction.
SANAC welcomes new leaders of the Civil Society Forum (CSF)
The newly elected leadership team and committee representatives will, over the next five years, play a critical role in driving the CSF’s agenda, ensuring that community voices are heard and that their contributions are integrated into national strategies and policies. Their elections, held every five years, underscore the CSF’s commitment to democratic principles, transparency, and inclusive participation.
The election process also reflect the diverse, dynamic and vibrant nature of civil society in South Africa and brings together a wide range of sectors such as Sex Workers, LGBTIQ+ persons, People who Use Drugs and most importantly, People Living with HIV (PLHIV) – all united by a common purpose, which is to eliminate HIV, TB and STIs as public health threats through the advancement of community-led and community-centred approaches.
The newly elected Chairperson, Mr Solly Nduku, who replaces Steve Letsike, brings a wealth of experience and commitment to serving communities. Mr. Nduku is the General Secretary of the National Unitary Professional Association for African Traditional Health Practitioners in South Africa (NUPAATHPSA). He is the current leader of the Traditional Health Practitioners (THP) Sector of SANAC CSF where he has represented the sector since 2009. He previously served as the 1st Deputy Chairperson of SANAC CSF between October 2017 to June 2024.
Mr. Nduku also served as the Co-Chairperson of the Global Fund County Coordinating Mechanism (GF CCM). Prior to participating in SANAC work, Mr. Nduku was active in various political actions where he served in various leadership positions including but not limited to being Municipal Councillor as well as an MMC. Mr. Nduku was the lead representative of the Traditional Health Practitioners & Allied Health Professionals in the Presidential Health Compact of 2019 where he signed the compact on behalf of the sector with other leaders who signed with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The newly elected leaders and representatives of key structures are:
- Chairperson: Mr. Solly Nduku
– 1st Deputy Chairperson: Ms Shiela Mbele-Khama
– 2nd Deputy Chairperson: Mr. Mluleki Zazini - Co-Chairperson of Programme Review Committee (PRC): Mr. Mabalane Mfundisi
- Co-Chairperson of Resource Mobilisation Committee (RMC): Ms. Nonhlanhla Mkhize
- Co-Chairperson of Country Coordinating Mechanism for Global Fund (CCM): Ms. Mulalo Murudi
- Representatives to the SANAC Board of Trustees: Ms. Sibongile Tshabalala, and Mr. Thabo Majuja
SANAC extends gratitude to the outgoing leadership for their tireless efforts and significant contributions towards the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs. Their legacy will undoubtedly inspire and guide the incoming team as they take up the mantle.
For media queries, please contact SANAC Head of Communications, Nelson Dlamini on 078 731 0313 / nelson@sanac.org.za / communications@sanac.org.za
Issued by:
South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Secretariat