Hamba kahle Vito

TAC is saddened by the loss of our long standing comrade, Vuyani Jacobs. Vuyani joined TAC after being diagnosed with HIV while working in the Eastern Cape. He later moved to Cape Town and worked as an organizer for TAC. Vuyani continued to fight for the rights of people living with HIV at Community Media Trust, where he became the Deputy Director. Vuyani was an activist, brother, colleague, mentor and friend to many of us.

Vuyani spoke openly about his status during South Africa’s worst periods of stigma and denialism. He we a role model to many of us. Vuyani was part of Siyayinqoba Beat It’s support group where he shared his personal experiences of living with HIV.

He will be greatly missed by people living with HIV, those who were close to him and those who were privileged to have worked with him. We send our condolences to his close friends, colleagues, family and especially his son.

Lala ngoxolo Vito! Dlamini! You will be greatly missed.