Background
Kheth’Impilo was established by the former senior management team of ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) South Africa as part of a long–term sustainability strategy. ARK SA’s HIV programs, staff and premises were officially taken over after a section 197 transfer in August 2009.
Since inception, our staff compliment has grown by more than 100% to well over 850 employees. The organisation is driven by the expertise, passion and commitment of Dr Ashraf Grimwood, CEO and founder together with his Executive Management Committee and staff.
What the Kheth'Impilo logo symbolises
The circle of life is maintained by the older generation looking after the younger generation. The ribbon loop is formed by the overlapping of the ‘heads' of 2 ‘elders' holding the younger generation symbolised here as an infant.
The AIDS ribbon as a theme was chosen, with the colour red to remind us of the time in the early eighties when we had to overcome bureaucratic red tape to ensure early access to prevention, treatment, care and support. This is unfortunately still relevant today. Kheth'Impilo, which means ‘choose life' is used to instil a positive approach in attitude to being HIV infected to promote health seeking behaviour.
Through the government and community support work undertaken by Kheth'Impilo, we hope to be part of the impetus to ensuring that we as South Africans reduce the number of people who develop AIDS and reduce the rate of infection.