Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli took centre stage on Wednesday, addressing key stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal with a poignant message about the fight against HIV and Aids.

His call for unity and action reflects the province’s commitment to transforming the narrative surrounding the epidemic and ensuring that every individual receives the care they deserve.

Ntuli led the sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA). The session was expected to focus on exploring sustainable mechanisms to safeguard and accelerate the province’s progress in combating HIV and Aids.

As he opened the PCA, Ntuli called for a move beyond mere statistics, emphasising the urgent need to rejuvenate hope and frame actionable strategies for change.

“The numbers before us do more than record progress; they tell a story — a story of victories earned through resilience, and of challenges that still demand our courage and collective will. Our task is to transform this narrative into a deliberate, measurable plan of action. This council remains the cornerstone of that transformation,” Ntuli said. 

The premier grounded his address in the resilience forged from hardship, acknowledging KZN’s devastating experience during the epidemic’s peak, where HIV transcended mere statistics, becoming a profound and personal reality of loss.

“From this immense pain arose an even greater strength — a resolve forged in the fire of adversity. It is that enduring spirit that drives our unwavering determination to end this epidemic once and for all.”

He said the direction they are taking is guided by the KZN Provincial Implementation Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs 2023–2028. Today, we also receive a crucial instrument — the Provincial Synthesis Report for the Second Quarter — which bridges the gap between data and decisive action.

“This report is our strategic compass. It takes us beyond the what of the problem and directs us to the where and how of the solution. It empowers us to act with precision — ensuring that every intervention, every rand, and every ounce of effort is channelled where it matters most,” Ntuli said. 

He noted that District AIDS Councils are demonstrating leadership and shared accountability. Nine meetings have been convened — all chaired by mayors — and most districts have achieved full compliance. 

“We acknowledge the progress achieved: declining infection rates, improved access to treatment, and greater community awareness. Yet, the data also confronts us with an urgent challenge. The national Close the Gap campaign requires us to re-engage 1.1 million people who have fallen out of care. In KwaZulu-Natal, more than 200,000 individuals have defaulted on their ARV treatment,” Ntuli said. 

“This is not just a number — it is a life-and-death imperative. Our immediate, non-negotiable target is to trace and return at least 117,616 of these individuals to treatment by year-end. That is the scale of the life-saving work that must define our next steps.” 

Ntuli said the reports tabled will be instruments of change, a call to action, and a test of their collective leadership.

“Together, let us keep moving — from statistics to strategy, from strategy to action, and from action to transformation.” 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za 

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