HSRC Centre for Community Based Research

We recently hosted an introductory meeting with members of our reconfigured prospective Community Advisory Board (CAB), marking an important step in strengthening collaboration between research and community.

The session introduced the Centre for Community-Based Research, highlighted our research activities, and included an in-depth discussion of the CAB Charter.

Community Advisory Boards play a vital role in ensuring research remains transparent, ethical, and aligned with community priorities. We look forward to working together to advance inclusive, community-driven research.

We are delighted to have been graced by a visit from DSTI's DG, Dr Mlungisi Cele.

Titled: Reflective masculinities: Black boys contesting hegemony in peri-urban South Africa

Click here to read the article https://loom.ly/lOUk8Fs

Reflective masculinities: Black boys contesting hegemony in peri-urban South Africa This article introduces the concept of reflective masculinities to explore how Black adolescent boys in a peri-urban South African community make meaning of masculinity in ways that defy dominant, ...

Titled: Violence and Discrimination against LGBTIQ + Individuals in South Africa: Legal Rights vs. Lived Realities

Click here to read more https://loom.ly/0J0qsWo

+

Violence and Discrimination against LGBTIQ + Individuals in South Africa: Legal Rights vs. Lived Realities - Sexuality Research and Social Policy Introduction South Africa is internationally recognized for its progressive legal protections of LGBTIQ + populations; yet, these individuals continue to experience pervasive violence and discrimination. This study examines the disjuncture between formal rights and lived realities, highlighting ...

Title: A qualitative study assessing the acceptability of a multi-agent AI Chatbot for providing HIV and mental health support among men who have s*x with men and transgender women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Click here & read more ➡️🔗 https://loom.ly/e9on5Io

A qualitative study assessing the acceptability of a multi-agent AI Chatbot for providing HIV and mental health support among men who have s*x with men and transgender women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa AbstractBackground. Transgender women (TGW) and men who have s*x with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and m

📢 Attention SciCom Professionals: Your Career Roadmap Feedback is Needed!

The HSRC is evaluating the structure of the Draft SciCom Competency Model. We need your expert opinion on the 4 proposed Competency Levels and their transition points: Emerging Communicator, Independent Communicator, Strategic Communicator, and SciCom Leader.

Do these levels make sense for real-world SciCom career development in South Africa?

We are surveying: Scientists and Science Communication Intermediaries across all sectors.

Contribute your expertise in just 15 minutes: https://loom.ly/oPBis1o

The HSRC is seeking a suitably qualified Visiting International Research Fellow (Senior) to work in a hybrid role, hosted by the Strategic Partnerships and Internationalization Unit (SPIU).

Apply online: https://loom.ly/-vOtrmU

Title: Exploring factors affecting the decision-making process among adolescents and youth in KwaZulu-Natal in accessing and utilising s*xual reproductive health services

Click here ➡️🔗https://loom.ly/S1yHtis

Exploring factors affecting the decision-making process among adolescents and youth in KwaZulu-Natal in accessing and utilising s*xual reproductive health services Despite improved access to s*xual and reproductive health services, uptake among adolescents and young people remains low. Supporting their decision-making and addressing barriers to service use is...

[Fourth Leg Completed – Gezubuso Community Hall]

On 10 December 2025, we successfully concluded the fourth leg of the TB Triage & ThiPhiSA Results Dissemination series at Gezubuso Community Hall.
Community members engaged actively in discussions on TB knowledge, prevention, treatment adherence, and their vital role in strengthening TB response efforts.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this session impactful and insightful.

[Third Leg Completed – KwaMpande Community Hall : 3 Dec 2025]

CCBR continues its TB Triage & ThiPhiSA Results Dissemination series, with the third leg successfully hosted at KwaMpande Community Hall, Pietermaritzburg.

Attendees took part in meaningful discussions on TB knowledge, community roles in prevention, and reflections on the study findings.
Thank you to all who contributed to this impactful session.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: the first South African National Gender-Based Violence Study is a pivotal study that provides insights into GBV prevalence, risk factors, and impacts across South Africa, forming a foundation for targeted solutions.

Read more: https://loom.ly/IG99cnI