M.A. / The HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa continues to grow at a rapid rate, and it is estimated that a total of 4.2 million people are infected with the virus. HIV/AIDS has been described as the biggest threat to the continents development, with severe economic, social and human impact. In South Africa, young people are considered a particularly vulnerable group, especially young women between the ages of 15 to 29 years, due to various predisposing biological, psychosocial and economical factors. Despite the numerous efforts that have been made at education and prevention, people’s behaviour has been slow to change, and the disease continues to spread at an alarming rate. It has been reported that between 1998 -1999, there was a 65% increase in the prevalence of HIV in 14-24 year olds. It has further been estimated that 50% of our population could die of AIDS in the next 5 years. This study was undertaken to research the cultural context of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, as the gap between knowledge about HIV/AIDS and behaviour change, with particular focus on our young African females. The study was based on present literature, research and media, which provided for an exploration of the cultural context of HIV/AIDS and how it applies to behaviour change. The respondents of the study were female pupils in Grade 11 at two African high schools, namely Northview and Soweto. An exploratory study was conducted, in which 234 pupils responded to the questionnaire sent out by the researcher. The primary limitation being the scope of the study, as it was limited to only two schools and one particular grade. However, due to the population size, the sample can be representative of the broader population of urban black female adolescents. The results showed that the respondents have knowledge about HIV/AIDS, however, numerous cultural contextual factors have impinged and shaped their risk-reduction behavior. The results therefore support the hypothesis that the cultural context is a key to understanding the gap between knowledge and behaviour change. HIV/AIDS prevention, education and recommendations were discussed according to results from the study. / Prof. C. Fouche