Phindile Sithole-Spong

Phindile Sithole-Spong is a prominent South African HIV activist, entrepreneur, and public speaker, renowned for her work in destigmatizing HIV/AIDS and advocating for the rights and dignity of people living with the virus. Born in 1989 in South Africa, Sithole-Spong was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 19, a discovery that compelled her to confront not only her health challenges but also the deep-seated stigma surrounding the disease.

Sithole-Spong refused to let her illness define her. Instead, she used her experience as a platform for change. She became an outspoken advocate for people living with HIV, with a particular focus on young people born with the virus who face unique psychological and social challenges.

Her activism is marked by a commitment to dismantling the fear and prejudice surrounding HIV/AIDS in South Africa, a country with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. Sithole-Spong’s approach to advocacy is deeply personal and innovative. By sharing her story openly, she seeks to humanize the experience of living with HIV and challenge the misconceptions that contribute to stigma. Her candidness has inspired many, showing that people living with HIV can lead full, healthy, and productive lives. She frequently speaks at conferences, schools, and other public forums, delivering a message of hope, resilience, and empowerment.

In addition to her activism, Sithole-Spong founded Rebranding HIV after completing her studies in 2011 as a response to the growing stigma and misinformation surrounding the virus. The organization aimed to change public perception by promoting positive narratives around HIV, educating the public, supporting those living with the virus, and advocating for better healthcare policies. Through Rebranding HIV, Sithole-Spong collaborated with various stakeholders, including government bodies, non-profits, and media outlets, to amplify her message and foster broader social change. After years of working in the public health sector Sithole-Spong recognized that one of the leading drivers of HIV infection, misinformation, and lack of adherence to medication was economic inequality. Drawing on the knowledge she gained Sithole-Spong launched Sonka Design, an artisan homeware brand that partners with local artisans in South Africa and Swaziland to create beautiful, handcrafted goods. This venture supports communities while celebrating African artisanship whilst sharing the stories of other women from different walks of life.

In 2019, Sithole-Spong moved to France, where she expanded the Sonka brand to include Sonka Sud, a South African and Mediterranean health food restaurant and café based in Marseille. Inspired by her belief in accessible, healthy food for all, Sithole-Spong uses Sonka Sud to help families and people with chronic illnesses better understand the relationship between food, health, and well-being as she continues to explore the full spectrum of living with a chronic illness.

Sithole-Spong’s work has had a significant impact on how HIV is perceived and discussed both in South Africa and globally. By bravely sharing her story and advocating for those who are often voiceless, she has become a symbol of strength and courage in the face of adversity. Her efforts have not only helped reduce stigma but also inspired a new generation of HIV-positive individuals to live openly and confidently. Her story has been shared, celebrated, and awarded globally, with honors such as being named one of TIME magazine’s Next Generation Leaders, one of the Mail & Guardian's 30 under 30, and one of South Africa’s 21 Icons, joining the ranks of Nelson Mandela and Gcina Mhlope. Her activism continues to be a beacon of hope, reminding society that HIV is not a death sentence but a condition that can be managed with the right support and information. Phindile Sithole-Spong remains a powerful voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS, championing the cause of education, acceptance, and human dignity.