Professor Leickness Simbayi is a research director in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme at the HSRC. He holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Sussex in the UK. Before joining the HSRC, Professor Simbayi worked for the University of the Western Cape where he was a professor and departmental chair in the Department of Psychology. He is now a visiting professor in the same department. Professor Simbayi’s current research interest lies in the area of applied health psychology and includes such topics as STDs, HIV/AIDS, stress and burnout, substance abuse, and traditional healing. He is currently running a number of research projects on voluntary counselling and testing, orphaned and vulnerable children, stigma, and substance abuse.

Sean Jooste is a senior researcher in the HSRC’s Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme. He holds a master’s degree in research Psychology from the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

Dr Khangelani Zuma is a Chief Research Specialist in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme at the HSRC. He holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Waikato, New Zealand and an MSc in Biostatistics from Limburgs University, Belgium.

Ntombizodwa Mbelle is a Research Project Manager in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme at the HSRC. She obtained a B Paed from Fort Hare University, an MA ELT from Thames Valley University in the UK, and an MPH from Medunsa. Ntombizodwa also has a MAP from Wits Business School. Most of her career has been in project management.

Kelvin Mwaba is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Western Cape.

Azwifaneli Managa was a Junior Researcher in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health research programme when this report was compiled. He is currently based at Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions as a Social Analyst.