The objective of this investigation was to assess the knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS of Urban Secondary School Students in South Africa. It is generally perceived that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in South Africa is unrivaled worldwide. In fact, South Africa has the largest and most high profile HIV epidemic in the world. The sample of the study comprised 105 (57 girls and 48 boys) grades 11 and 12 students studying at a comprehensive secondary school in Durban, South Africa. The respondents were administered an HIV/AIDS questionnaire of 15 statements/questions, to which they were asked to tick the most correct response on the basis of the three options provided, which were “Yes”, “No” “Do not know”. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency, percentage, chi-square and probability were used for data analyses. Based on the analyses of the data, scores ranged from unsatisfactory to moderate and good. Those who scored below 50% were in the category of unsatisfactory; those who scored 50-60s were moderate and those who scored 70% and above fell under the category good. In this scaling, the assumption was that it takes a score of 70% and above to be considered adequately knowledgeable to use such HIV/AIDS knowledge to guard against contracting the disease. The overall results confirmed what other researchers have observed. In conclusion, it was stressed that: In view of the fact that, HIV/AIDS has no known cure, there is need for comprehensive sexuality education programmes, which will equip urban girls and boys to protect themselves against the scourge of HIV/AIDS. In short, what is being advocated is educating, motivating, persuading and enabling should be the chief cornerstone of HIV/AIDS public education campaigns.

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