Residents of Mkhabela Tjovitjo and surrounding communities are expected to benefit from a community outreach programme bringing health services, HIV testing, social support and awareness activities closer to home on Wednesday, 25 November.The event, scheduled to take place at Mkhabela Tjovitjo Phase 1 from 10:00 to 14:00, forms part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign and World AIDS Day awareness activities. Organisers are targeting more than 500 people.
Led through a collaboration involving the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and the Department of Health, the programme aims to promote healthier communities while addressing issues such as HIV, gender-based violence, substance abuse and access to healthcare.Residents will have access to several services, including HIV testing and counselling, TB screening, general health screening, family planning, psychosocial support, social work services and referrals to healthcare facilities.
The programme will also include voluntary medical male circumcision referrals, environmental health information and paralegal services focusing on human rights, legal literacy and support for people affected by violence. Several organisations and service providers have confirmed their participation, including Shoprite, Shout It Out, Ke Moja, SANCA, Sizanani and Rhiza mobile clinics, Khomani for Men NGO, Crown Fixers NGO, Jozi Hlomile mobilisation team, SAPS, Isiqusomama NGO and Embalenhle Clinic. Shout It Out will offer HIV testing for young people aged between 16 and 24, while SANCA plans to bring its mobile truck to provide entertainment. Ke Moja, which focuses on substance abuse awareness, may also bring a puppet as part of its activities, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Community mobilisation has already started, with the Jozi Hlomile team working with Crown Fixers and Isiqusomama NGOs since the first week of November to encourage residents to attend. Organisers are also continuing engagements with local NGOs, the clinic and community leaders to strengthen participation and finalise preparations ahead of the outreach.
The event will be held under the theme of wearing purple T-shirts, with the message: “End Violence. End HIV. Build a Safer, Healthier Society.” Residents are encouraged to attend and make use of the free services available on the day.
