Mahikeng, North West
In a moving moment during the Closing the 1.1 Million HIV Treatment Gap Roadshow, veteran activist Mr. Paddy Sipho Nhlapo, founding director of the 50+ Project, was honoured by the Office of the North West Premier for his exceptional contribution to the HIV and AIDS response in the province.
The recognition was part of the North West Department of Health’s effort to intensify antiretroviral treatment (ART) uptake as the country accelerates efforts to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030. The award, presented on behalf of Premier Mr. Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi by Mr. Neo Moepi of the North West Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), recognised Nhlapo’s decades-long activism and unwavering commitment to community health. PCA Head of Secretariat, Ms. Margaret Mokguthu, also congratulated Nhlapo for his resilience and leadership.
Diagnosed with HIV at the age of 21, Nhlapo has lived openly with the virus for over three decades and has been adherent to treatment for 19 of those years. He is among the first individuals in the North West to publicly disclose his status—a bold move that helped dismantle stigma and encouraged countless others to seek testing and treatment.
Reflecting on the importance of treatment adherence, Nhlapo described it as an act of self-love. “One of the self-love principles includes taking care of one’s health—mind, body, and soul. The body part doesn’t end with bathing, but extends to a healthy body, which includes taking your ARVs consistently so that you are virally suppressed,” he said. “You don’t transmit HIV, and you reduce the chances of presenting with opportunistic infections.”
Nhlapo’s advocacy work is deeply rooted in his belief in empowerment through knowledge and early intervention. Asked what message he had for individuals who have tested positive but are not yet on treatment, he was clear: “It is important to go on treatment early to prevent being sick. Your age cannot be used as a yardstick to a healthy life. If diagnosed, start treatment immediately. Early care equals better outcomes. HIV is just but a virus—don’t let it grow. Keep it at bay.”
His organisation, the 50+ Project, focuses on transforming the experience of ageing in South Africa’s HIV response, advocating for dignity, resilience, and inclusion among older persons living with HIV and comorbidities. His work continues to shift public health narratives and reshape community action through a unique blend of behaviour change communication and grassroots mobilisation.
Nhlapo’s recognition comes as the province and the country push forward with the Closing the 1.1 Million HIV Treatment Gap campaign—a critical intervention aimed at re-engaging individuals who know their HIV-positive status but are not yet on treatment.
“This campaign is not only necessary but highly critical if we are to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” Nhlapo said. “Closing the Treatment Gap means re-engaging people who are lost to care and ensuring they take their medications. The challenge now is to strengthen support systems that help them stay on treatment so they can become active citizens and live productive lives.”
In a country where stigma still lingers and where over a million people living with HIV remain off treatment, Paddy Sipho Nhlapo’s voice is as powerful as it is personal. His recognition is a reminder that change often begins with one person’s courage—and that courage, when paired with action, can move mountains.
