Katlehong at the centre of Gauteng’s renewed push to tackle TB

By: Aphelele Buqwana

Katlehong, east of Germiston, became the focal point of Gauteng’s World TB Day commemoration this year as residents, health officials, civil society leaders and private sector partners gathered to confront the province’s persistent TB burden.

Hosted in Ekurhuleni—one of the districts hardest hit by the disease—the event combined community mobilisation with lived experience, using survivor testimonies, on-site engagement and advocacy calls to drive a clear message: testing, treatment adherence and collective accountability remain central to turning the tide on TB.

The event focused on the realities faced by communities where TB continues to spread, particularly in underserved areas where access to healthcare and stable living conditions remains a challenge.

TB survivors shared their experiences with the disease, speaking openly about how they were diagnosed, the challenges they faced during treatment and the importance of early testing as well as support. Their stories formed a central part of the commemoration, showing how TB affects people’s lives and their families, while also highlighting that recovery is possible with proper treatment and support.

SANAC Civil Society Forum Gauteng chairperson, Gladys Tshabalala addressed community members and officials, pointing out that TB continues to disproportionately affect underserved communities. She noted that socio-economic challenges often make it harder for people to access healthcare services and remain on treatment.

She urged government leaders to provide greater resources to civil society, stating that they remain at the forefront of advocacy and community mobilisation.

“Government must expand nutrition support to TB and HIV patients, especially in informal settlements, strengthen community-based screening, integrate HIV and TB care, address stigma and improve access to treatment support.”

Tshabalala also emphasised the need for stronger support systems in communities where poverty, overcrowding and limited resources increase the risk of TB transmission.

Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Zanele Dlamini emphasised the broader role of society in tackling TB. She noted that Gauteng, as the country’s most populated province, remains a key ground for the disease. “TB is not just a health issue, it needs acollective action from all sectors of society.”

She explained that the private sector across the district has been actively testing workers, particularly those in high-contact or occupational roles, with encouraging results.
“We have been rolling out TB testing for workers across the district, and it’s already showing positive outcomes,”she said.

Dlamini also reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to the goals of the National Strategic Plan on TB, pledging that “no workers or communities will be left behind on this World TB Day and after the day.”

Gauteng Provincial Legislature TB Caucus chairperson, Bandile Masuku, encouraged residents to take TB seriously by getting tested and adhering to treatment, and pointed out that advances in science and innovation are making TB treatment faster and more effective.

Masuku also reminded communities that community involvement is essential in reducing infections and ensuring that those diagnosed with TB complete their medication.