Thaba Nchu community dialogue sparks action against HIV/Aids

Originally published on 28 July 2008

In Thaba Nchu, Free State, a powerful community conversation has sparked a renewed commitment to tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The event was organised as part of the Nelson Mandela Foundation's ongoing Dialogue Programme, and brought together nearly 1,000 residents to identify challenges, share experiences and plan a healthier future for all.

What was the problem?

Thaba Nchu, along with the broader Motheo District, faces a significant HIV/AIDS burden. With a provincial HIV prevalence rate of 30.3%, the Free State is among the hardest-hit regions in South Africa. Factors such as unemployment, migration and social issues contribute to the spread of the virus, demanding urgent and comprehensive action at a community level.

How did they fix it?

The Nelson Mandela Foundation, in partnership with local organisations and community leaders, facilitated a "community conversation" designed to empower residents to take ownership of the HIV/AIDS response. The dialogue provided a platform for open discussion, emotional healing and the development of a community-led action plan.

So, how did they do it?

• Community mobilisation ensures broad participation: A concerted effort was made to engage residents through various channels, including posters, flyers, community radio, local media, loudhailers and word of mouth. This resulted in nearly 1,000 people attending the conversation, exceeding the initial target of 600.

• Local partnerships amplify reach and resources: The organisers prioritised gaining the support of local government departments, traditional leaders and businesses. These partnerships provided essential resources, including transport, refreshments and logistical support.

• “Counting your losses” provided a powerful emotional outlet: Participants engaged in a moving exercise where they picked up a stone to represent each loved one lost to AIDS. These stones were placed on a memorial cloth while hymns were sung and personal feelings were shared. Counsellors were on hand to provide support and guidance.

• Storytelling connects statistics to personal experiences: Real-life scenarios involving HIV/AIDS were presented in the local language to illustrate the human impact of the epidemic. This approach aimed to foster empathy, promote understanding and encourage behavioural change.

• An action committee drives community-led solutions: Community members elected an action committee composed of representatives from various sectors, tasked with addressing the challenges identified during the conversation, with a specific focus on HIV/AIDS. The committee organised workshops on topics such as parent-child communication about sex and youth engagement in HIV prevention.

Acknowledgements

Author: Nelson Mandela Foundation

Original article: Thaba Nchu community members engage in the "counting your losses" part of the programme at the Moroka High School hall

Photograph: Nelson Mandela Foundation

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.