HomeNews & stories‘Not all super heroes wear capes’ – the story of Peaches
HomeNews & stories‘Not all super heroes wear capes’ – the story of Peaches
‘Not all super heroes wear capes’ – the story of Peaches
Last updated on: 27 August 2025
Peaches, a peer educator from Johannesburg, shares her powerful journey from surviving abuse and criminalisation to becoming a source of support and hope for others. This video was created through a participatory process, with Peaches having full creative control over what to share and how to share it. She chose the format and content herself, ensuring the story reflects her voice, experiences, and journey.
The story of Peaches
Her story sheds light on the realities of sex work in South Africa, the violence many face, and the importance of rights, dignity, and community. Through her work, Peaches helps others access health services, report violations, and build safer lives. “You know what they say, not all superheroes wear capes, and I feel like that is me.” Meet Peaches!
The Hands Off programme
70% of sex workers in Southern Africa report experiencing violence. Reducing violence can lower their risk of HIV by 25%. Through the Hands Off programme, Aidsfonds and its partners in Southern Africa work towards supportive laws and protective services, care and support to secure the safety and wellbeing of sex workers – ultimately reducing their risk of HIV. The programme is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mozambique.
From Barrier to Bridge – How a Network is Building Bonds Between Police and Communities
From Barrier to Bridge – How a Network is Building Bonds Between Police and Communities
For the longest time, the absence of law enforcement at the table has been a critical missing piece in the jigsaw of HIV prevention and public health interventions. Whether through prejudice, lack of access to services, stigma and discrimination, public health outcomes are greatly affected by criminalisation. The lives of LGBTIQ+ people, sex workers and people who use drugs are disrupted daily through state sanctioned violence and criminalisation enacted by law enforcement. Recognising this gap, Aidsfonds, in close collaboration with its partners stepped in, bringing together communities, health service providers and law enforcement. Munya has been at the heart of this work, helping translate that collaboration into tangible change.
Our response to Dutch coalition agreement: reclaim leadership role in sexual health
Our response to Dutch coalition agreement: reclaim leadership role in sexual health
Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland responds positively to the Dutch coalition agreement presented on Friday, January 30 by D66, VVD and CDA. In particular, the additional investments in international cooperation and the increased focus on prevention in healthcare are important steps forward. The organisation stresses that this is the moment for the government to reclaim the Netherlands’ leadership role in sexual health, both nationally and internationally.