Phindile Sithole-Spong

Phindile Sithole-Spong is a South African HIV activist, entrepreneur, and public speaker known for her work in destigmatizing HIV/AIDS and advocating for the rights and dignity of people living with the virus. After losing both parents and several relatives to AIDS at age 13, Sithole-Spong learned at 19 that she had been HIV-positive from birth. She received her diagnosis after being hospitalized with symptoms and complications associated with advanced AIDS and a CD4 count of two.

Sithole-Spong is the founder and CEO of Rebranding HIV, a consultancy that assists companies such as Shell South Africa and ESKOM in developing HIV-education outreach for employees. Through Rebranding HIV, she focuses on creating relatable HIV awareness programs that address the social, economic, religious, and educational realities of target audiences. The company provides training, strategy development, public speaking, and products such as flavored and textured condoms, reflecting a youth-focused approach to HIV awareness and management. Sithole-Spong documents her experiences on social media as part of her campaign to reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS.

Sithole-Spong advocates for people living with HIV, with an emphasis on young people born with the virus who face unique psychological and social challenges. She regularly speaks at conferences, schools, and public forums, addressing topics related to HIV education, public health, and social change. Her writing has been recognized with the PICA Award for Best Non-Professional Writer for her article "HIV, Sex and Me" in ELLE magazine South Africa. She has worked with the AIDS Consortium as a project manager and consultant, contributing to initiatives such as the 20Faces Campaign in partnership with Discovery Health, and serves on the AIDS Consortium board of directors.

Sithole-Spong's story has been recognized internationally, including 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. Her advocacy in HIV and sexual health has been acknowledged both locally and globally. Through her public speaking, entrepreneurship, and candid storytelling, Sithole-Spong continues to influence the global conversation around HIV, supporting individuals living with the virus and advancing public health awareness.