Pfunekani (Tsonga: “A Place Where You Can Get Help)
In November 2004, the Gauteng “New Start” Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (in partnership with the Society for Family Health and the National Department of Health) extended a request to partner with LifeLine Southern Africa.
“New Start” proposed that LifeLine provide “ongoing” support counselling to their clients after voluntary HIV testing at their site.
From 12 November 2005, a pilot, ongoing face-to-face support service (known as “Pfunekani”) was opened as an extension of the AIDS Helpline’s services, further integrating the Line into the South African Government's National Strategic Plan (2007-2011). The Centre’s goal is to facilitate appropriate and sustained post-test behaviour, amongst those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, in partnership with community structures and governmental programmes.