Digital Stories: Andile
(Xhosa with English subtitles) Abandonment, loss, and the independence that followed prepared Andile for the difficult choices he would later make as a young adult. When he fathered a child with his girlfriend, her parents accepted him. And when he tested positive for HIV, his girlfriend pledged to be true to him, no matter what. […]
Thuliswa
(Xhosa with English subtitles) As a girl, Thuliswa narrowly escaped abuse. When she began developing into a young woman, her mother responded by trying to restrict her independence. Thuliswa soon left Eastern Cape to live life on her own terms in Johannesburg. Sickness brought her home to her parents. She tested for HIV and found […]
Sonwabo
(Xhosa with English subtitles) After his wife passed away, Sonwabo became a single parent. He soon noticed his own health declining, but he struggled with the thought of seeking medical care at the nearby clinic. When he decided to get help, he discovered he was HIV+. Now in a healthy relationship and active in his […]
Elizabeth
Elizabeth lives in Zimbabwe, which, like many parts of the world, faces big challenges with HIV stigma and violence towards women and girls. Her young niece was orphaned and subsequently abused by family members. Ultimately the niece’s case was taken to court and she regained her property and rights. Special thanks to the Open Society […]
Sediapelo
Sediapelo is an HIV+ woman from Botswana. She spent years in denial of her status, having unprotected sex with multiple partners and struggling with substance use. But after her father passed away she realised the preciousness of life and worked hard to overcome self-stigma and embrace a life of living positively. Special thanks to the […]
Sibongile
Sibongile, from Swaziland, lost her home and possessions as a result of gender discrimination and poverty. When her husband died of AIDS, his family forced her and her children out of their house. After struggling to survive, she found a job as an AIDS activist and now works to secure the equal rights of women […]
Morapedi
Morapedi is a young South African man who is eager to continue his education. He mourns the loss of his sister-in-law and regrets that he was unable to challenge is older brother who abused and beat her. Eventually, Morapedi’s brother began sleeping around and infected the sister-in-law with HIV, which led to her death. Morapedi […]
