Activists call for stronger partnership in HIV/AIDS fight

HIV/AIDS activist organisation, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), has criticised the government and the Health Minister for downplaying the challenges in South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS and for failing to partner with communities.

The organistion expressed frustration over what it called government inaction, despite repeated assurances of commitment.

TAC chairperson, Sibongile Tshabalala, says civil society is doing most of the work, and without real partnership from the government, the country may not reach its health goals.

The organisation’s comments come in response to concerns about the implementation delays of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs (2023–2028), particularly following the recent funding cuts from the United States.

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump, unexpectedly reduced global HIV/AIDS funding, raising alarms about the impact on South Africa’s HIV response – long supported by international partners like PEPFAR.

The issue resurfaces at the 12th South African AIDS Conference, currently underway at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni, where researchers, civil society, and government officials, have gathered to assess progress and renew commitments.

Tshabalala said the combined effect of reduced international funding and poor cooperation from the Department of Health is slowing progress toward achieving the plan’s goals. She warned that without immediate and coordinated action, the country risks losing ground in the fight against the epidemic.

Her concerns are echoed in the latest UNAIDS and SANAC Global AIDS Report, which projects that if neccesary steps aren’t taken, the world could face six million new HIV infections and four million AIDS-related deaths by 2029.

Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, however, says despite funding cuts by the Trump administration, the South African government remains resolute in its commitment to defeating HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at the opening of the conference yesterday, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Mashatile said despite the impact of the funding cuts, government is scaling up domestic funding.

He says the government is looking to BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as potential partners.

“We are now concentrating on augmenting our domestic funding, initiating national campaigns, and exploring partnerships with BRICS nations and the private sector to address the funding deficits. We are a resilient country with a brilliant track record in HIV management. Together, we can shape a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a threat, but a distant memory of our collective strength and determination,” Mashitile said.

Delivering the opening address at the 12th SA AIDS Conference today at Emperors Palace Johannesburg, Deputy President Paul Mashatile in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) said,… pic.twitter.com/wLfrUbgJVx

— SANAC (@SA_AIDSCOUNCIL) September 8, 2025