Brothers for Life is proud to celebrate Dr Mbulelo Dyasi, who has been honoured with a doctoral degree in education and community development by the Interdenominational School of Theology. Dr Dyasi is the South African National Aids Council Men’s Sector General Secretary and has been an ambassador for the Brothers for Life campaign since 2009.

Dr Dyasi has made it his mission to educate men about health and well-being. He has been a powerful voice in the fight against HIV and gender-based violence and a tireless supporter of HIV positive people through personal mentorship, political advocacy and his leading role in several organisations.

This father of two lives what he preaches. He has been living with HIV for 13 years and attributes his good health to his adherence to treatment and the care he takes over his health.

When he learned about the University’s decision to honour him Dyasi was upbeat and said he couldn’t be happier:

“I feel honoured for the acknowledgement by the Interdenominational School of Theology and am grateful the opportunities I have had to work with men from all walks of life. I truly had no idea that this award would come to me before getting cure for HIV. I shall receive this award in the name of people living with HIV in South Africa.

Dyasi is determined to carry on with his work. He has singled out stigma as the most significant barrier to men testing for HIV.

“I will continue to educate both men and women about HIV and Stigma to make them aware that living with HIV is possible, especially if you adhere to treatment. My family and I spent more than 8 years in isolation due to HIV related silent stigma. I used most of time studying instead of feeling ashamed. I lost my own sister to AIDS years back and one of my cousins died a painful death after she was told by a Prophet to stop medical treatment”

Brothers for Life is a collaborative effort led by South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Department of Health, USAID/PEPFAR, Centre for Communication Impact , the United Nations System in South Africa and more than 100 other civil society partners working in the field of HIV prevention and Health. The campaign uses Interpersonal communication, Mass Media and Advocacy to reach its audiences.