South Africa is among the countries with the highest HIV/AIDs cases in Africa.
Still, this has not prevented the variousMzansicelebrities who are HIV positive from publicly acknowledging their status.
Decades ago, there was extreme stigmatization of those who were HIV-positive.
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)Source: UGC
While there is still some stigma today, the situation has improved greatly.
Mzansi celebrities who are HIV positive
Here is a look at HIV-positive celebrities in South Africa.
Phindile Sithole-Spong
Phindile Sithole-Spong is among thebest-known celebritieswho are HIV-positive in South Africa.
Zackie Achmat, a South African gay activist, founder of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), speaks at an international conference. Photo: Rodger BoschSource: Getty Images
The renowned SABC1’s Rise presenter discovered she had AIDs at 19.
This led to her breakup with her then-boyfriend.
Since then,she has beenpart of South Africa’s fight against HIV.
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She is currently engaged to the love of her life.
At the time of her diagnosis, she was 7 months pregnant.
Thabang Sefatsa
Thabang is a retired footballer who played for Tigers FC and Roses FC.
SAfrica-health-AIDS-media" Picture taken 10 July 2006 shows Criselda Kananda, a South African radio personality and an Aids activists in Johannesburg. Photo: Alexander JoeSource: Getty Images
He tested positive for HIV back in 2013 and retired from professional football shortly afterwards.
She was among the first HIV-positive female celebrities in South Africa to go public about their status.
Saidy Brown
Saidy is a South African actressborn with HIV.
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The actress contracted the disease from her parents, who succumbed to the disease.
Her dad died when she was nine, and her mum followed him a year later.
He was the subject of a highly publicized dismissal from hisformer workplacebecause of his HIV-positive status.
HIV Positive and well known South African gospel musician and Aids activist Musa Njoko from the Wellness Foundation performs, 20 May 2007. Photo: Rajesh JantilalSource: Getty Images
He sued his then employer and won the case, receiving a year’s wage worth of compensation.
Several Mzansi celebrities who are HIV positive have come out publicly about their status.
Being famous comes with its fair share of challenges and problems.
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She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
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Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron during his send-off ceremony on August 20, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Alon Skuy/SowetanSource: Getty Images
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She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University.
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In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024.
Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
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