Through her foundation and advocacy work, Mosima Makgopa, a senior residence officer at UP, is breaking down stigmas and creating safe spaces for crucial discussions about HIV.

From working as a cleaner for 15 years to becoming a senior residence officer at the University of Pretoria (UP), Mosima Makgopa’s journey is an inspiring one. But beyond her professional achievements, Makgopa has emerged as a powerful voice for HIV awareness, mental health and the empowerment of young boys through the Makgopa Foundation.

Her resilience was tested in 2008 when she was diagnosed with HIV. It was a moment of deep despair.

“I hated myself,” she admits. “I didn’t know who to talk to.”

The emotional toll of her diagnosis saw her struggling with her sense of self-worth as well as having to face societal stigma, yet Makgopa found the strength to move forward. Opening up to others about her status was one of the most difficult steps she had to take.

“I remember the first time I told my family and my supervisor – it wasn’t easy,” she recalls. “I felt rejected, like I was naked in front of them.”

Gossip and misconceptions only made things harder, reinforcing the stigma that still surrounds HIV today. But Makgopa refused to be defined by her diagnosis. Instead, she turned her pain into purpose. She now educates others through her TikTok platform, raising awareness about HIV and breaking harmful myths.

“Many men are still afraid to test,” she says. “They only do it when their partners test first. We still have a long way to go in educating males about HIV.”

Her advocacy extends far beyond social media. Through the Makgopa Foundation, she has dedicated herself to educating young boys on topics such as HIV, bipolar disorder and mental health.

“These are conversations that are often overlooked in male-focused discussions,” she says.

Her foundation also runs two orphanages, providing a safe, nurturing environment for vulnerable children.

Today, Makgopa has found peace in her journey.

“Now, I take my medication with pride,” she says. “I have forgiven myself, and I want others to know that being HIV-positive does not mean the end of life.”

Her message to those recently diagnosed is simple yet profound: “It’s okay not to be okay. Take it one day at a time. You are not alone.”

Looking ahead, Makgopa hopes for greater education and support for HIV-positive individuals, especially within the workplace.

“I wish the University would do more to educate staff,” she says. “Many are afraid to talk about it, scared of being labelled. The more people know, the better we can support each other.”

Makgopa is not just surviving – she is thriving, educating and changing lives. Through her work, she is ensuring that no one walks this journey alone and that knowledge becomes the most powerful tool in the fight against HIV.