The rain held off just long enough on Saturday, 28 November 2025, for dozens of energetic young people to lace up their hiking boots and take over Kloofendal Nature Reserve for a World Aids Day Awareness hike that blended fun, fitness, and lifesaving health education.
The event, led by the Joburg AIDS Council Youth Sector in partnership with the City of Johannesburg Health Department, formed part of the build-up to the City’s official World Aids Day programme scheduled for Thursday, 4 December 2025, at George Goch Hostel. And if the mood on the trail was anything to go by, Joburg’s youth are ready to lead the conversation on HIV awareness with enthusiasm and confidence.
Participants came from across the City, using the hike not only to enjoy nature but also to check their HIV status, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels on-site. For many, it was a refreshing departure from their usual weekend routines.
“I’m excited to be here. We don’t often get to do things like hiking in the township, and it’s also important to know my health status,” said Jabulani Shongwe from Soweto, catching his breath between viewpoints.
For the youth organisers, that was exactly the goal — to create experiences that meet young people where they are.
“It’s important to run programmes in environments that feel familiar and safe for the youth,” explained Lebohang Hlane from the Joburg Aids Council Youth Sector. “Young people remain one of the most vulnerable groups in the spread of HIV. The City needs creative, exciting ways to draw their attention, educate them, and encourage them to start and stay on antiretroviral therapy.”
The statistics underscore the urgency. In South Africa, an estimated 18.7% of people living with HIV are between the ages of 15 and 24 — a reminder that young voices are essential in prevention and treatment efforts.
Going forward, the Youth Sector says it will continue advocating for youth-friendly services at City clinics, including:
- Counselling on sexuality, safer sex, and reproductive health
- HIV education, counselling, and testing
- Access to HIV treatment, care, and support
- Contraceptive education and provision, including dual protection
- Mental health education, counselling, and referrals
As the hikers wrapped up for the day, there was a sense that health awareness doesn’t have to be intimidating — it can be active, social, and inspiring. And with young leaders stepping forward, Joburg’s fight against HIV is gaining fresh energy.
Written by Ayanda Radebe