16 May 2025 | Story: Tayron Mhlongo | Photo: VUT
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in partnership with Higher Health and the National Department of Health (NDOH), recently hosted a two day Close the Gap: Higher Education Sector Activation Outreach and First Things First Youth Dialogue on 8 and 9 May 2025. This significant initiative formed part of a national movement that broke the silence around health matters affecting young people, while promoting wellness, access to services, and informed conversations about issues that matter most to communities.
Themed “Close the Gap, Protect Your Health: Bridging Wellness for a Stronger Tomorrow,” the programme featured dynamic youth led dialogues, expert presentations, wellness services, and electrifying entertainment. Central to the campaign was a clear call to action: encouraging young people to take the lead in shaping conversations around sexual health and rights, HIV, TB, STIs, mental health and suicide prevention, gender-based violence, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and healthy living.
VUT’s Institutional HIV and AIDS Unit (IHAU) spearheaded the campus activation to educate students about the importance of knowing their health status and accessing available services. The event also amplified the Close the Gap campaign’s ambitious national target of enrolling 1.1 million people onto antiretroviral therapy (ART) by December 2025. In this target, youth participation is crucial to achieving the 95-95-95 global HIV response goals.
On 8 May 2025, students engaged in dynamic breakaway sessions, guided by Ms Zikhona Mpyana, a Health Promotion Officer from the NDOH. Discussions centred on TB, HIV and AIDS, and other pressing health matters, with students actively presenting their findings and voicing questions. Ms Tshepiso Machabaphale, Gender Focal Point, reminded participants, “Break away from stigma, fear, and discrimination. Knowing your status empowers you to care for yourself and protect those you love.”
The event’s safe and inclusive space allowed students to address vital topics, including gender diversity, mental health, suicide prevention, gender-based violence, and healthy lifestyle choices. Ms Karabo Mosotho, a student participant, reflected, “Attending this event was incredibly helpful. It gave me a new perspective on gender diversity issues and the support I longed for.”
Mr Refilwe Shuping, from the Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination Chief Directorate at the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH), was lending his voice to the occasion. In his message of encouragement to the students, he emphasised the importance of reflection, personal growth, and purposeful ambition. “Value the opportunities you have and use them thoughtfully. Listen to and learn from those who have come before you. Reflect on your future, set clear goals, and have a dream,” urged Mr Shuping.
His words resonated with the youth-driven spirit of the event, reinforcing the message that health and personal development go together in building a stronger, more resilient generation.
Day two commenced with a welcoming address by Mr Scelo Mahlalela, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Resources and Planning at VUT, who emphasised the university’s commitment to empowering students to lead meaningful conversations and initiatives that positively impact their communities.
A highlight of the day was the presence of Ms Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, who delivered a heartfelt message and signed a pledge supporting the Close the Gap campaign. In her address, she called on students to take responsibility for their health, saying: “If you know that you are HIV positive, start your treatment now, stay on your treatment, and stay alive. If you know your status and are HIV negative, keep it that way, abstain if you can, or use a condom every time you engage in sex.”
Her words were a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting stigma, prioritising self-care, and taking proactive steps to maintain one’s health.
Adding to the momentum, Advocate Pule Mathaha from the National Prosecuting Authority’s Thuthuzela Care Centre delivered a stirring message of resilience and hope. He encouraged attendees, “Healing begins with courage. To survivors, know that your strength is greater than your pain. Dedicated people are standing with you. Never hesitate to seek help; you deserve to live a life free from fear and full of hope.”
Representing the student voice, Mr Gerald Matuba of the VUT Student Representative Council (SRC) highlighted the importance of improving community healthcare infrastructure, noting, “Our region faces serious challenges, such as inadequate health care resources. For instance, having only one ambulance for over 2,000 children is insufficient. Initiatives like these make a real difference.”
The event concluded on a vibrant note with an electrifying performance by South African rapper Focalistic, whose fusion of Amapiano and Hip Hop energised the crowd, leaving attendees uplifted and inspired.
By offering free HIV testing, TB screening, PREP services, mental health check ins, contraceptive services, and more, the Close the Gap campaign at VUT successfully bridged access to healthcare services and information while cultivating a supportive space where students could openly engage on issues affecting their lives.
The two-day programme was a testament to the power of collaboration between higher education institutions, government departments, and civil society to champion wellness, break stigma, and empower youth to lead the charge towards a healthier, stronger tomorrow.
