eKasi is an innovative mass media based HIV preventative and care initiative that combines a serialised monthly comic book and a weekly interactive radio talk radio show, broadcast by the biggest youth radio station in South Africa, YFM!

Approximately 200,000 copies of eKasi are currently distributed free of charge with the assistance of the Gauteng Provincial Health Department and corporate sponsorship. Gauteng Department of Education distributes copies to schools in the province.

eKasi provides an excellent new model for public-private partnerships in the war against HIV. eKasi is the serialised story of Thandi, a 16-year-old HIV-positive township girl, who becomes a co-host on a radio talk show after breaking the silence by telling her own tragic story on air. Thandi becomes a role model and beacon of hope and positivity for her peers.

The response to eKasi has been quite phenomenal, with literally thousands of letters and phone calls to the hotline monthly. Thandi is a character they are able to relate to and consequently her story is something that touches a nerve with readers, getting them talking and thinking about HIV prevention issues.

Clem Sunter, Chairman of Anglo American’s Chairman Fund, recently called the eKasi concept “absolutely brilliant” and said it has a “great chance of influencing young people to change their sexual behaviour, which is the number one priority in the war against the virus”.

Kevin Humphreys of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s AIDS Media Unit said “ eKasi is quite unique as it educates and informs while it entertaining the reader.”

eKasi is produced by a talented group of young writers, illustrators and cartoonists at Strika Entertainment’s studio. Gauteng Health Department asked Strika Entertainment to facilitate eKasi, following the unprecedented success of their local soccer comic, Supa Strikas.

AIDS 2002 Conference News produced by Health & Development Networks/Key Correspondent Team