Gethwana Mahlase is a renowned storyteller, HIV and AIDS activist, and the founder of a HIV and AIDS NGO called Targeted AIDS Interventions (TAI). Her work reflects an inspiring blend of resilience, vision, and determination.

“I had no office, no equipment, no computer, no chair, nothing. But I had something very powerful. I had the vision. I had the will. And I had the passion.”​ (The Moth)​​
Gethwana’s journey was shaped by a childhood immersed in community life. Her father was an induna (local headman), and her mother a dressmaker, making their home a hub of activity where people in the community gathered to share stories. Surrounded by this vibrant environment, she naturally took on the role of translator for English-speaking visitors and pastors, sparking a passion for connection, advocacy, and amplifying voices. Growing up in a rural setting marked by poverty, social injustices, and public health challenges further fueled her commitment to serving under-resourced communities. One rondavel at home even housed a mobile clinic, deepening her sense of purpose in addressing healthcare disparities. Her personal experience of sexism and sexual harrassment growing up in the rural areas of apartheid South Africa, strengthened her resolve to support women in their journeys to empowerment. Despite experiencing hardships and healthcare inadequacies, she persevered in her mission to help others. (The Moth)​​

From grassroots activist to author

Her professional career began as general Nurse and Midwife holding B.A Cur (Community Health Nursing and Nursing Management). This foundation combined with her advocacy work influenced her to establish Targeted AIDS Interventions (TAI) in the heigh of the AIDS crisis in South Africa. Through TAI, she amplified the voices of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, tackling healthcare inequities and providing critical support while addressing systemic inequities in healthcare access.
Moved by the resilience of women she encountered while evaluating a healthcare project in KwaZulu-Natal, she began writing a book about their lives. Her published work, My Walk with the Lord, reflects her own journey of faith and service. Her storytelling bridges worlds and generations, ensuring that lessons of courage, hope, and transformation endured. Whether through her writing, her leadership characterised by passion, empathy, and determination to improve the lives of under-resourced communities through advocacy and activism. Moreover, she is featured on SABC 3 programme called: I am woman (I Am Woman Episode 20, Season 2 – Gethwana Mahlase)

Gethwana pursued a post academic qualification later in life, completing a Master’s degree in Social Science at age of 62 in 2018, currently finalizing her PhD in Public Health, and enhancing her expertise through an Effective Writing course at Harvard University. Her impact has not gone unrecognized. Gethwana is the winner of several prestigious awards, including:

  • Durban Regional Business Award (Social Entrepreneur) from the Businesswomen’s Association
  • Indondo Award (2011)
  • South Africa’s Most Influential Women in Health and Pharmaceuticals – NGO category (2012)
  • Telkom Regional Business Achievers Award (Social Entrepreneur) (2013)

Acknowledgement and appreciation

@Cathy Chames, Senior consultant and Managing partner at Southern Hemisphere nominated Gethwana for our Women at the Helm campaign because she inspires us to be better. Gethwana has been an associate of Southern Hemisphere for many years, and we have cooperated on many purposeful projects. When fieldwork would get difficult, Gethwana would make sure she reached the most vulnerable communities to get their voices and their stories. Once, after a torrential rain in KwaZulu-Natal, Gethwana took her vehicle and crossed a river that had broken it’s banks to reach the community. Others would have turned around, but not Ma Getz (Now gogo Getz). Always a champion of women, of communities, Gethwana leverages her expertise and experience in healthcare and community support to strengthen projects that make a substantial difference in vulnerable populations.