Mpumalanga has become the first province in South Africa to launch the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN), a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection administered just twice a year. This historic milestone offers young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, a powerful new option for preventing HIV. The Soul City Institute joined partners on the ground in Mpumalanga to support the launch and raise awareness about LEN, its benefits, and how young people can access participating clinics through the B-Wise Lenacapavir Facility Finder.
Lindokuhle Mbali
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01 Jun, 2026
Children have the right to grow up in environments where they feel safe, protected, and supported. As part of Child Protection Awareness initiatives, members of the Soul Buddyz Club at Dan Radebe Primary School in KZN recently led a special project aimed at educating their peers about child protection and reporting abuse.
Many moons ago I heard a story about a 14-year-old girl whose father was deeply concerned about her behaviour and reputation. The details of the story disturbed me, not because of the concern itself, but because of how quickly the blame appeared to fall on the child.
South Africa continues to face an alarming rate and unacceptable crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual offences. The latest South African Police Service (SAPS) quarterly crime statistics for 2025/2026 confirm a persistent and deeply concerning pattern: thousands of women, children, and vulnerable groups continue to experience rape, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual violence across the country.
Young people play an important role in shaping healthier and more informed communities. Creating spaces where they can openly discuss issues affecting their health and wellbeing is essential in empowering them to make informed decisions about their lives and futures.
Mamorare Masemola
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25 May, 2026
As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, many people experience common seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu. During this time, coughing, fever, and fatigue are often associated with flu symptoms, causing some people to overlook more serious illnesses such as Tuberculosis (TB).
Our Fellows from Botswana, eSwatini, and South Africa are calling for urgent action on menstrual health. During the Young Women Speak: Trust, Fear & Realities of Menstrual Health webinar, participants shared lived experiences of stigma, silence, period poverty, and dismissed pain. The discussion highlighted that menstrual health is not just about access to products, but a broader human rights issue tied to dignity, education, healthcare, and equality. Young women are advocating for affordable menstrual products, inclusive education, responsive healthcare, and open dialogue. Their message is clear: menstrual health is a right, not a privilege, and collective action is needed to end stigma and inequality.
July Ndima
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06 May, 2026
Soul City Limpopo joined partners in the Hlanganani South Career Guidance Programme, reaching Grade 9–12 learners from nine schools with career insights and essential education on teenage pregnancy prevention, substance abuse, and positive life choices, supported by community stakeholders.
What Young People Need to Know About Lenacapavir (LEN)
