The COVID-19 pandemic is yet another reminder of the impact health pandemics have on communities, governments, the economy, and social structures. For the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University, COVID-19 presents an opportunity for organized learning for impactful and sustainable responses to health crises.  Since 2001, learning, research, and practice have been the focus of the centre, bringing together lessons from the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
 
With three academic offerings, a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), “we remain confident in our growth and capabilities to equip the next generation of impactful activists, professionals in the development, corporate, and government sectors”, says Director, Dr. Vuyiseka Dubula-Majola. Dr. Dubula-Majola is a graduate from the Africa Centre with over 19 years of experience in HIV/AIDS activism and has been hailed as a “heroine for our times” by the A-Z book of Amazing South African women, alongside leaders like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Fatima Meer, and Caster Semenya.
 
The centre embraces an agile approach to learning and practice within the context of HIV/AIDS response and discourse.  This is achieved through successful remote learning and facilitating critical analysis of HIV/AIDS response from different contexts, not only in South Africa but across 41 countries. 
 
To ground its learnings in practice, the centre actively positions itself to serve communities  affected by HIV/AIDS, health, and socio-economic inequalities, as these remain drivers of health inequalities and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.  It has formed partnerships with some of the leading international organizations in HIV/AIDS response, including The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the International Labor Organization (ILO), governments of multiple African countries, renowned musicians, and artists.
 
To join the centre’s growing and leading pool of alumni, apply to join the class of 2022. Applications for the PgDip program are open until 31 October 2021.
 
 For more information email: franksv@sun.ac.za