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Shaping Global Sustainable Solutions
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From being our mentee and a CureCrew Connector to representing the community on an international scientific platform! 🌍💯

@sharonn_mugwena recently travelled to Kenya to participate in a two day scientific meeting focused on advancing HIV cure research. As the youngest participant in the room, she embraced the opportunity to learn from global experts while ensuring that the voices and realities of the communities she represents remained part of the conversation.

Sharon also co facilitated a session alongside Dr Adeodata Kekitiinwa, focusing on care and structural requirements. Drawing on her experience as a CureCrew Connector, she helped bring the community perspective into discussions that will inform the development of the Target Product Profile (TPP) for HIV cure research.

Although travelling internationally alone for the first time came with both excitement and nerves, Sharon describes the experience as a special opportunity to pursue what she is passionate about.

We are incredibly proud to see Sharon growing in confidence, stepping into leadership and helping bridge the gap between scientific research and the communities it seeks to serve. Her journey is a reminder of why meaningful community involvement in research matters.

The meeting was a success, and we look forward to the next steps in the TPP process!

Well done, Sharon! Your voice matters, and we are proud to be part of your journey! ❤️🙌🏽

#ImpactDrivers #CureCrewConnectors #HIVCureResearch #CommunityEngagement #YouthLeadership taken in Nairobi, Kenya by @impactdrivers_sa
2
2 days ago
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Kenya bound!

Impact Drivers mentee and CureCrew Connector - Sharon Mugwena (tagged) is on her way to Kenya this week to represent us at a major scientific meeting (HIV Cure Research related). Serving as the youngest participant in the room, her goal is to make sure the community’s voice is heard loud and clear alongside global scientists as they finalise a vital Target Product Profile (TPP) and work on an upcoming manuscript.

She’ll also be stepping into the role of co-facilitator for a session alongside an incredible doctor. Safe to say, she’s ready to learn, lead, and bring the community’s perspective to the global stage! 

All the best Sharon! taken in Cape Town International Airport by @impactdrivers_sa
26
13 days ago
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Plot twist! 

The Podium Masters Weekend Camp just got a major luxury upgrade - we’re trading basic bunk beds and sleeping bags for a jaw-dropping, fully inclusive experience where everything is completely taken care of! Just bring your body, mind and soul only! Get ready to be ridiculously engaged, because our selected participants are officially stepping into the ultimate speaking and leadership retreat of a lifetime. Let the countdown begin! 

Officially, 15 days to go! 

#PodiumMasters2026 #Johannesburg #ImpactDrivers #GlobalFund #YoungPeople taken in Johannesburg, South Africa by @impactdrivers_sa
12
17 days ago
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True transformation isn’t just about opening a door for one person, it’s about changing what’s possible for everyone who comes after them.

When we give young people the resources they need and the trust they deserve, the ripple effect reaches far beyond a single moment or career. It rewrites stories, breaks generational cycles, and alters the trajectory of entire families and communities.

Invest in youth. Trust their potential. Watch the future shift.
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#ngoqueen #youthdevelopment #legacybuilding #empowerthefuture #impactdrivers by @impactdrivers_sa
4
a month ago
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#WhenAmINext?

7 bodies of women found in Kempton Park, Gauteng, within the space of just 2 months. And this happens merely 2 months before "16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children."

So what must happen? Should we continue to count bodies? Until what number? What is going on? What went wrong? Where did we fail as a country?

This is exactly why we at Impact Drivers work with adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to provide them with a language that enables positive masculinity and a true understanding of consent. Many boys we come across in our programmes do not understand consent - they carry their own distorted beliefs of what a "YES" really means. We teach them through different analogies of consent, and yet, everyday, we find the bodies of women taken from us.

Are we doing something wrong as a country? No, hell no we are not! We just need to do more and more work with young boys, teaching them to respect and appreciate the girl child. If we only empower women and girls, how can we expect unempowered men to build balanced relationships with empowered women?

This is why Impact Drivers steps in early - starting with boys from Grade 8. This is a critical transition period when they enter high school full of naivety, excitement, and often zero emotional resilience, especially those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are here to say: we may not have been there when those 6 women were pleading for their lives, but we still hear their final breath today. We still see their losing battle as their lives were stolen. And most importantly, we see the devastating aftermath left behind with their families, friends, colleagues, and communities.

Let's do better. Let's turn 16 Days of Activism into 365 Days of Activism.
#aminext #whenaminext #womanpower by @impactdrivers_sa
3
a month ago
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Graduation bound! 🎓✨

We have officially wrapped up our BoysWillBeBoys mentorship journey with the adolescent boys and young men from @lambano_academy_sa !

From deep conversations on emotional strength and vulnerability to mastering practical tools like The POWER Pause, these young men have shown up, grown, and inspired us every step of the way. We couldn’t be prouder of the maturity, heart, and dedication this cohort has brought to every single space.

A huge thank you to all our participants for sharing their journeys with us. This isn’t goodbye - it’s just the main event loading!

Graduation date set for 3rd October!

#BoysWillBeBoys #ImpactDrivers #YouthLeadership #FutureLeaders #MentorshipMatters taken in Lambano Academy by @impactdrivers_sa
0
2 months ago
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Inside the Body: HIV, Treatment & Return to Care

Join us for a youth-focused conversation on HIV, treatment, treatment interruption and returning to care. We’ll be unpacking what happens inside the body.

📅 11 September 2026 
🕑 14:00–15:30 SAST
💻 Free via Zoom

🔗 Register via the link in our bio.

#HIVAwareness #HIVEducation #YouthHealth #HIVTreatment #ReturnToCare taken in South Africa by @impactdrivers_sa
0
2 months ago
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Young voices. Real conversations. Meaningful impact. 💬✨

We recently hosted a Lenacapavir (LEN) Youth Focus Group in North West, creating a safe space for young people to share their knowledge, questions and perspectives on long-acting HIV prevention.

Because when introducing new HIV prevention options, young people shouldn’t just receive the information — they should be part of the conversation. 🫶🏽

#ImpactDrivers #Lenacapavir #YouthVoices #HIVPrevention #CommunityEngagement taken in North West by @impactdrivers_sa
0
2 months ago
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THE PODIUM MASTERS ARE HERE! 🎤🔥

Congratulations to our selected youth leaders! 🥳👏🏽 Your voice, your story and your leadership have earned you a spot at the table, and now it’s time to take the podium! 🌍✨

To confirm your spot: DM @impactdrivers_sa with “CONFIRMED” 🎉

Welcome to the Podium Masters family! 🫶🏽

Supported by @globalfund

#PodiumMasters #YouthAdvocacy #YouthLeadership #ImpactDrivers #DrivingImpact by @impactdrivers_sa
32
2 months ago
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Unpacking Power, Masculinity & Emotional Strength

We welcomed the boys back to the BoysWillBeBoys space for another powerful session focused on redefining power, understanding relationships, and breaking down harmful norms.

Here’s what unfolded:

Redefining Power: Through an interactive movement exercise, the boys challenged traditional views on strength, reflecting on statements like: ‘Walking away takes strength’ and ‘Men can be powerful without hurting anyone.’

Unpacking IPV & GBV: We tackled the realities of Intimate Partner Violence and Gender-Based Violence. By analysing real-life scenarios, the group explored the difference between violent reactions and choices rooted in true self-control.

Breaking the Silence: We had a raw conversation about why young men fear reporting abuse or showing vulnerability - from the fear of being laughed at by police officers to the societal lie that ‘men don’t cry.’ 

Embracing Vulnerability: Facilitators shared personal stories of emotional release, creating a safe space for the boys to commit to healthier, more constructive ways of processing their feelings.

Real strength isn’t about force or silence - it’s about empathy, self-awareness, and healthy self-control.

#BoysWillBeBoys #YouthMentorship #PositiveMasculinity #MentalHealthMatters #YouthEmpowerment taken in Johannesburg, South Africa by @impactdrivers_sa
1
2 months ago
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Calling all youth advocacy leaders 🔊 

Your story matters, and the global health stage is waiting. Applications are officially open for the Podium Masters Youth Public Speaking & Advocacy Leadership Programme running from 21-23 August 2026 in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

We are calling on 10 to 15 passionate young leaders ready to dive into storytelling, policy literacy, and strategic messaging during our exclusive, all-expenses-paid weekend camp supported by the @globalfund . This goes beyond the microphone, offering ongoing mentorship and at least three real-world speaking opportunities to build a lasting advocacy pipeline.

Step up to the podium and claim your spot via the link in our bio, or tag a future global leader in the comments below. Let us drive impact together.

T&Cs:
Applications only open to JHB residents 
Applications close on the 14th August 2026

_______________________________________
#drivingimpact #impactdrivers #youthadvocacy podiummasters by @impactdrivers_sa
28
2 months ago
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Ever wondered what happens inside an HIV cure research lab?

This past Friday, 6 of our #CureCrewConnect Ambassadors, joined by young people from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation @ahfcares , and @girlsactinternational Programme, got an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the HIV Pathogenesis Programme @hiv_pathogenesis_programme at UKZN... and WOW!

What was meant to be a 2-hour visit became a half-day of exploring research labs, asking questions, and even trying out mock experiments. From blood sample processing to DNA analysis, we got to see how HIV cure research happens in real life.

We also shared the HIV myths and misinformation we’re hearing in communities - conversations that have already inspired a youth webinar on what really happens when someone starts, stops and restarts HIV treatment. Stay tuned for more info!

A huge thank you to the incredible HPP team for welcoming us and showing that the best HIV research happens when scientists and communities learn from each other.

Who knows? Maybe one of the young people on this tour will be the scientist leading HIV cure research in the future.

#CureCrewConnect #GirlsAct #AHF #HIVCureResearch #YouthInScience taken in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal by @impactdrivers_sa
0
2 months ago
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