In the heart of Ikageng, Potchefstroom, the aroma of simmering potjiekos blended with something less familiar but just as vital — open conversations about health. In a bold reimagining of community health engagement, Aurum Health System Division hosted a Men’s Dialogue and Potjiekos Cook-Off, drawing over 400 men from across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
Held at the popular Leratong Club — generously offered by its owners — the event used food and friendship as powerful tools to tackle one of public health’s greatest challenges: reaching men with services like HIV and TB screening, mental health support, and conversations around stigma.
Men from district Ward 10, the Men’s Sector, the Youth Sector, the Ikageng CPF (Tornado), and Leratong Management formed teams for the cook-off. But before the first ingredients hit the pot, every participant voluntarily took part in HIV and TB screening — flipping the traditional health outreach model.
Five teams from different corners of the community — including Ward 10, the Men’s Sector, the Youth Sector, the Ikageng Community Police Forum (Tornado), and the club’s own management — stepped forward to compete. But before any cooking began, there was a powerful moment of pause: every participant agreed to HIV and TB screening.
It wasn’t a requirement enforced by rules — it was a gesture embraced by the men themselves, encouraged by the warm, judgement-free environment created by the organisers. Aurum staff and health partners were on-site offering services, with 103 men screened for HIV through self-testing kits. Of those, 15 received reactive results and were immediately referred to Boiki Tlhapi Clinic for confirmatory testing and support. Seven men also underwent TB screening, and more than 1,500 condoms were distributed throughout the day.
In total, 103 HIV self-screening tests were done, with 15 reactive results referred for confirmatory testing and care. Seven TB screenings were conducted, and over 1,500 condoms distributed. Many men admitted they usually avoided clinics due to long queues and fear of judgement — yet here, just a kilometre from a clinic, they lined up without hesitation.
The day kicked off with honest, heart-level discussions on HIV, TB, mental health, LGBTQI+ inclusion, and gender-based violence, all delivered in a space designed for comfort, not clinical formality. This informal, peer-supported environment reflected Aurum’s men’s health strategy: making services more accessible and community-led, while tackling stigma and promoting trust.
Led by Programme Manager Sandra Mathibedi and Community ART Manager Trevor Masevhege, the event was supported by Boiki Tlhapi Clinic, Mercy and Grace, Action of Social Justice International, and Sisonke — all part of Aurum’s Management Development Programme. The presence of Aurum district leaders, including Sandile Moyakhe and Zweli Ngubo, underscored the broader commitment to finding new ways to serve hard-to-reach groups.
Ward 10 took first place in the cook-off, but the real win was how health became something to celebrate, not fear.
With more events planned for Bojanala District in June 2025, and Aurum Men Ambassadors mobilising communities ahead of time, this approach is already reshaping how and where health services are delivered.
Because sometimes, the shortest route to saving lives is through a shared meal, a familiar space, and a trusted voice.
