Burt Davis

Burt grew up in the lovely town of Somerset West in the Western Cape. After completing matric, he started his university career as a medical student but he quickly realised he was more interested in the world of human resource management. He obtained his BA degree in value and policy studies from Stellenbosch University in 2000, after which he completed his honours degree in industrial psychology in 2001, focusing on labour relations. In 2002 he enrolled for the Postgraduate diploma in HIV/AIDS Management and went on to complete the masters in 2005. The topic of his thesis was the future of oral fluid HIV testing in South Africa.

After completing the MPhil, Burt worked for PeopleManagement, an HIV and AIDS consultancy based in Cape Town and Johannesburg. He joined the Africa Centre in December 2006.

Burt’s day-to-day tasks at the centre entail helping with the management of the community mobilisation wing under the leadership of the Africa Institute for HIV/AIDS Management, using drama, music and dance as media for HIV and AIDS education. His ultimate highlight is to see people smile when reacting to the community intervention projects. Burt believes the key element in achieving results in the battle against the epidemic in South Africa is to start convincing individuals to make the personal choice to change their sexual behaviour.

Words that describe Burt: patient, trustworthy, approachable, dedicated, friendly

Burt’s motto: Just taking each day at a time

Favourites:

Food:  Sushi
Artist:  U2
South African celebrity:  Tessa from 7de Laan…