Download PDFThe recent Khanya College Household Survey revealed a stark reality about the role class play in shaping the disclosure of health issues and experiences of gender-based violence (GBV).
Working in the communities of Eldorado Park, Klipspruit, Kliptown and Slovo Park, collecting health and GBV survey data, we identified some trends and concerns. Households in working-class informal settlements were generally more open to answering sensitive questions and speaking about their health conditions, including their HIV status, high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses. In contrast, many households in the more middle-class areas were uncomfortable with these questions, gave very brief responses, or chose not to answer them at all.
On 26 March 2026, I interviewed a 35-year-old woman from a family of ten living in Mandela Square, Kliptown. It was remarkable how openly she spoke about living with HIV and attending the local clinic regularly.
She explained that accessing healthcare is difficult because of the long waiting times before patients are assisted.
She also shared that another family member has high blood pressure and regularly visits the clinic. The family depends on social grants, and there are times when they do not have enough food to eat.
The woman said she is not afraid of discrimination or stigma.
With a smile on her face she said, “If I don’t speak about my status, how then will I be able to help others who are infected or affected just like me? My voice is my tool, and silence will kill me.”
In Slovo Park, several women and men who openly shared their HIV status. Other residents spoke honestly about living with cancer and other illnesses.
Community members freely discussed their experiences of accessing healthcare and food insecurity.
In the more middle class areas of Eldorado Park and Klipspruit, community members were more hesitant to discuss their health status. Several respondents said they had medical aid and generally provided limited answers to questions about their health. Many appeared uncomfortable discussing personal health matters, and some chose not to answer these questions at all.
There are several possible reasons why people may be less willing to disclose their health status. These may include concerns about stigma, fear of judgement by family, a desire to protect their privacy, or fear of discrimination.
According to the South African National Aids Council, 73.2% of participants said they felt comfortable disclosing their health status to family members. This dropped to just over 50% when it came to sharing with friends and partners and was even lower when it came to colleagues in the workplace.
While many people are willing to speak openly within their families, disclosure in workplaces and schools remains low.
The findings suggest that although progress has been made in reducing stigma around illnesses such as HIV, many people still do not feel safe enough to disclose their health status in all areas of their lives.
This article was submitted on 15 May 2026. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
