US to end South Africa HIV funding over claims of Afrikaner persecution

The United States government has announced plans to gradually end its funding for HIV and Aids programmes in South Africa, citing concerns over the country's policies and what it describes as a failure to address issues affecting the white Afrikaner minority.

The decision marks another setback in relations between the two countries, which have deteriorated since the return of Donald Trump to the White House.

South Africa is home to more than eight million people living with HIV, the highest number globally. For years, the country has benefited from significant financial support through the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provided approximately $400 million annually until 2025.

The US cites policy concerns.

The move follows an executive order signed by President Trump shortly after taking office, in which he accused South Africa of implementing policies that undermine equal opportunities and contribute to discrimination against white landowners, particularly Afrikaners.

The South African government has strongly rejected these claims, maintaining that its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies are designed to address long-standing economic inequalities created during apartheid.

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Washington has also expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa's foreign policy positions, including its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and its diplomatic ties with Iran.

According to a US State Department official, the phased withdrawal of PEPFAR funding is linked to South Africa's failure to make what the administration considers sufficient progress on key policy concerns.

The official added that the move is intended to encourage greater self-reliance, arguing that South Africa, as a middle-income country, is capable of financing its own health programmes.

South Africa responds

South Africa's Department of Health said it had not received formal notification of the funding withdrawal but noted that it has been preparing for reduced donor support through a long-term self-sufficiency strategy.

Officials also stressed that the country's life-saving antiretroviral treatment programme is largely funded by the government and would continue operating independently of US assistance.

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While PEPFAR contributes significantly to HIV prevention, testing and support services, the South African government maintains that treatment for millions of patients remains secure.

Diplomatic tensions continue.

Relations between Washington and Pretoria have remained strained over the past year. A high-profile meeting between President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly saw the US leader raise concerns about the treatment of Afrikaners and allegations of discrimination against white South Africans.

The Trump administration has also repeatedly claimed that white South Africans face persecution, allegations that Pretoria has consistently denied.

The diplomatic rift was further highlighted when the United States boycotted a G20 meeting hosted by South Africa last year.

Despite the funding cuts, South African health authorities insist that the country's HIV response remains resilient and that plans are already in place to reduce dependence on foreign aid.