Thandi Shabangu’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to helping others. A member of the Community Advisory Board at The Aurum Institute, Thandi has dedicated much of her life to supporting people living with HIV. Her journey, though filled with challenges, is a testament to the power of hope, education, and the strength to never give up.
Thandi’s path with HIV began in 2004, when she was pregnant and diagnosed with the virus. It was a moment that changed her life forever. With little support and overwhelmed by the news, Thandi faced an incredibly difficult pregnancy, which included a C-section, sterilisation, and severe complications that required her to be admitted to the ICU. The diagnosis was a heavy burden, but it was only the beginning of her journey.
At the time, living with HIV was daunting. Thandi started on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, but it wasn’t an easy process. Her CD4 count was dangerously low, and the emotional and physical toll was immense. There were moments when she thought she would not make it, but she chose to stay positive. Despite everything, Thandi continued to move forward, returning to school and completing a learnership in community development.
Her health, however, was not always stable. During this time, she developed meningitis, and doctors told her there was nothing they could do. Yet Thandi refused to give up. She fought through the illness and went on to complete her studies, graduating in community development. This was just the beginning of her work in HIV advocacy. Thandi began working at an AIDS unit, where she not only promoted HIV awareness but also counselled people, showing them that life could continue even after an HIV diagnosis.
But her own journey with HIV wasn’t without setbacks. At times, the medication made her feel as though the virus was still active in her body. There were moments of discouragement, particularly when health workers suggested she might be drug-resistant and that her treatment wasn’t working. She stopped taking her ARVs for three years, hoping her health would improve on its own, but instead, she became sicker. The fear of dying crept in. But Thandi had something to live for—her children and grandchildren. Their love and support were the driving force that led her to resume her medication, even though the road was not easy.
Thandi’s experience with HIV taught her not just to survive, but to live. She learned that taking care of herself wasn’t just about medication; it was about understanding her condition and the importance of educating others. Through organisations like the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Thandi became more informed about HIV and began advocating for better treatment and prevention strategies. This is where she first encountered The Aurum Institute and began collaborating with them on campaigns focused on HIV prevention and education.
As a member of the Community Advisory Board at Aurum, Thandi now shares her story and expertise with others. She helps raise awareness about the importance of HIV prevention, including the work Aurum is doing on vaccines, and supports recruitment efforts for clinical studies. She believes that through continuous education and open dialogue, stigma surrounding HIV can be broken, and people can live fulfilling lives despite the diagnosis.
“The fight against HIV isn’t just about taking medication—it’s about understanding your status and sharing that knowledge with others,” she says.
On World AIDS Day 2024, Thandi’s message is clear: the fight against HIV doesn’t stop after one day of awareness. It is a continuous journey that requires education, compassion, and the courage to keep pushing forward. “We need to keep talking about HIV every day, not just on December 1st,” she says. “The more we talk, the more we can break down the stigma and create a world where everyone is empowered to take the rights path in their own health.”
Thandi Shabangu’s journey is a powerful reminder that the path to living well with HIV is not easy, but it is possible. With support, education, and the courage to keep going, she has found strength in herself and a purpose in helping others.
