Contact us 1.800.698.2536
Search by Speaker Name or Topic

Phindile Sithole-Spong

Activist, Founder & CEO of Rebranding HIV

Phindile Sithole-Spong
Travels From Travels From:
France
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000
Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000
More Fee Info
Categories Categories:
Categories Categories:
Civil Rights, Diversity & Inclusion, Health, Healthcare, Innovation, Leadership, Relationships, Social Activism, Social Justice, Virtual, Women, Women's Health
REQUEST BOOKING INFORMATION

Phindile Sithole-Spong Biography

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.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Phindile Sithole-Spong and other top speakers and celebrities.

BOOK Phindile Sithole-Spong

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/03/2024.

Phindile Sithole-Spong Videos

  • WOMEN OF AFRICA | Phindile Sithole-Spong on living with HIV
    WOMEN OF AFRICA | Phindile Sithole-Spong on living with HIV
    "People thought that because you're HIV positive it's a death sentence... I wanted to rectify those misconceptions". Meet the first of our 'unsung...
  • Facing Up To HIV | Next Generation Leaders | TIME
    Facing Up To HIV | Next Generation Leaders | TIME
See All Videos »

Speaker Lists Featuring Phindile Sithole-Spong

Browse All Keynote Speaker Lists »

FAQs on booking Phindile Sithole-Spong

  • How do I book Phindile Sithole-Spong to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Phindile Sithole-Spong for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Phindile Sithole-Spong, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Phindile Sithole-Spong or any other speaker of your choice.

  • What are the speaker fees for Phindile Sithole-Spong

    Speaking fees for Phindile Sithole-Spong, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Phindile Sithole-Spong are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Phindile Sithole-Spong, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

  • What topics does Phindile Sithole-Spong speak about?

    Phindile Sithole-Spong is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Civil Rights, Diversity & Inclusion, Health, Healthcare, Innovation, Leadership, Relationships, Social Activism, Social Justice, Virtual, Women, Women's Health.

  • Where does Phindile Sithole-Spong travel from?

    Phindile Sithole-Spong generally travels from France, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

  • Who is Phindile Sithole-Spong’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Phindile Sithole-Spong for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Phindile Sithole-Spong for your next private or corporate function.

  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Phindile Sithole-Spong or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Phindile Sithole-Spong is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Phindile Sithole-Spong for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Phindile Sithole-Spong generally travels from France and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Blair Imani, Gloria Feldt, Valeriana Chikoti-Bandua, Michele Bratcher Goodwin and Loretta Ross. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Phindile Sithole-Spong for an upcoming live or virtual event.

BOOK Phindile Sithole-Spong

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.

  • Customized Service

    Our agents find the right fit for your event

  • Unparalleled Database

    Full access to all speakers & celebrities

  • One Stop Shopping

    A reliable and unbiased point of contact

  • Logistics Management

    Your personal Logistics Manager who takes care of all event details

Need Quick Answers?

We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.

Sarah Miller
phone   1.800.698.2536
Our celebrity booking agents can:

  • Gauge interest and check availability for speaking engagements, appearances or corporate events

  • Provide you with the speaking fee to book Phindile Sithole-Spong or other celebrity appearance fees

  • Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities

  • Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

TOP