Thriving, Not Hiding: Thandolwethu and What It Means to Live with HIV
Words by iQhawe Magazine
I stepped into activism because I knew I wasn’t alone and I was tired of being told to hide in a box. What keeps me committed is knowing that I deserve to live fully and openly, without fear of judgment.
— Thando Cindi
At just 22, Thandolwethu Cindi, known online as @callme_thandolwethu, has redefined what HIV activism can look like for a digital generation. Blending lifestyle, skincare, and soft girl aesthetics with fearless honesty about living with HIV, she reminds her audience that “HIV is not a punishment, it’s a health condition.” The inception of her activism began with a refusal to stay silent as well as the misconstrued perceptions of people living with the health condition. From unboxing her ARVs like PR drops to creating candid, empowering conversations, Thandolwethu proves that thriving with HIV is not only possible but it is powerful.
This interview with our fave digital bestie, expands how she navigates HIV activism through the lived experience, storytelling, and youth-centered advocacy she leads and believes in.
South Africa has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. What motivated you to step into activism in this space and what keeps you committed?
From a young age, I was told not to tell anyone that I was taking medication. At the time, I thought it was for kidney stones, but later I learned it was ARVs. Keeping that secret made me feel like there was something wrong with me. When my parents eventually disclosed my HIV status, I felt like I was a bad person, even though I had done nothing wrong.
I stepped into activism because I knew I wasn’t alone and I was tired of being told to hide in a box. What keeps me committed is knowing that I deserve to live fully and openly, without fear of judgment. Every time I speak out, I realize more and more that I’m not alone and that gives me strength to keep going.
HIV disproportionately affects young women and queer youth. How do you see your activism addressing these overlapping vulnerabilities in a way that builds solidarity rather than division?
I lead with honesty and authenticity. My activism is about sharing the raw realities; being rejected, being judged, or being seen as “the girl who couldn’t keep it together because she’s HIV positive.” has to be a part of it. By opening up about these experiences, I show that vulnerability is not weakness, but a form of power.
By telling my story, I help others see that their feelings and struggles are valid. That builds solidarity, because it shows we’re not alone and we can support each other instead of being divided by stigma.
Imagine a future where HIV is no longer a public health crisis in South Africa. What would it take to get us there, and what role do you see youth activism playing in that journey?
It would take honest conversations, especially among young people. We need to normalize asking: “Have you tested?” and “What are you doing to protect yourself?” Access to prevention tools like PrEP and PEP is crucial, but so is breaking the silence around intimacy and responsibility.
Youth activism can play a huge role by creating safe spaces where we talk openly about sex, pleasure, and protection. As young people, we’re already engaging in intimacy, so why not lead the conversation on how to stay safe, healthy, and stigma-free?
Was there a defining moment or personal experience that pushed you toward activism and the work you do today?
When I was 18, sitting in a Life Orientation class, the topic of HIV came up. The example used was the same old stereotype: “a young girl who went to the city and came back with HIV.” At that moment, I realized how narrow and misleading those stories were. HIV is not a punishment, it’s a health condition. That realization pushed me to educate myself and eventually to share my own story, because I wanted to challenge those harmful narratives.
What challenges did you face as a young Black professional or activist entering this space, and how did you navigate them?
My biggest challenge was being HIV positive in university. Disclosing my status, or even just mentioning that I spoke about HIV awareness, would often kill the mood; whether in friendships or romantic settings.
I’ve learned not to let those reactions define me. People may have their own fears or ignorance, but my responsibility is to myself. I refuse to give anyone else the power to make me feel ashamed of my status. That mindset has helped me stand firm and keep going in my activism.
“I lead with honesty and authenticity. My activism is about sharing the raw realities; being rejected, being judged, or being seen as ‘the girl who couldn’t keep it together because she’s HIV positive’ has to be a part of it.”
Beyond your public work, what practices, values, or communities sustain you and keep you grounded on this journey?
My foundation is my family, my friends, and my faith in God. They keep me grounded, humble, and hopeful. I know that no matter what, I have spaces where I am loved, supported, and corrected with care. That gives me the strength to keep dreaming and working toward a brighter future.
Access to healthcare often goes beyond clinics - it’s also about language, culture, stigma, and affordability. In your field, how are you working to make health knowledge and care more accessible and relatable to young people?
I make HIV care relatable by blending it with everyday culture. For example, I do “unboxing” videos of my ARVs, showing young people what the pills look like and explaining the differences between ARVs, PEP, and PrEP. It’s a familiar social media format, but with real education inside it.
I also push for awareness that medication is available for free in South African clinics. By making the information simple, visual, and honest, I hope to make healthcare knowledge more accessible and less intimidating for young people.
