As we approach the fourth decade of the HIV pandemic, there are still glaring gaps in the evidence base regarding the mode of transmission, health, behaviours, sexual practices and lived experiences of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in South Africa. This project is a collaboration between the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the University of Cape Town's AIDS and Society Research Unit, in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). It was implemented to further our understanding of the context and lived experiences of adolescents aged 10 - 19 years living with HIV in South Africa. It also informs the SAMRC's Social Impact Bond (SIB) programme that focuses on HIV interventions to support adolescent girls and young women in South Africa.