South Africa Seeks New HIV Funding as Motsoaledi Declares ‘Trump Owes Us Nothing’

The South African government is scrambling to secure alternative funding for its HIV treatment programme after US President Donald Trump abruptly halted nearly $440 million( R8 044 740 440,00) in aid from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that the government is in discussions with major global funders, including the Gates Foundation, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. However, no commitments have been secured yet.

“I want to emphasise that there’s no government or funder in the world that has put money aside waiting for Trump to explode. That’s why we’re meeting them, but none of them are yet saying, ‘we’re giving you this much,’” Motsoaledi told MPs on Thursday.

Despite the crisis, he made it clear that South Africa should not expect financial rescue from the US. “Trump doesn’t owe South Africa any cent whatsoever. And for that reason, we need to stand on our own,” he said.

[LIVE NOW] The National Assembly is holding an urgent debate on the United States government’s decision to halt aid to South Africa. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says US President Donald Trump does not owe South Africa any cent. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/I5lUZfKnjr

— eNCA (@eNCA) March 6, 2025

Motsoaledi used the crisis to call for a broader discussion on healthcare funding, particularly questioning why wealthy South Africans on private medical aid still receive substantial government subsidies.

“We must not waste this crisis. Honourable Malema, I am challenging this House—can we call a debate? Why are all well-to-do South Africans who are on medical aid still getting heavy subsidies? Is it fair? Should we be doing that during this difficult moment?” he asked.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema argued that Trump’s decision to cut aid was politically motivated, linking it to South Africa’s support for Palestine and its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, says that “Trump doesn’t owe South Africa a single cent.”

He emphasized that South Africa should be able to stand on its own.

This remark came in response to the U.S. government’s decision to end USAID-funded programs, which has affected the… pic.twitter.com/EbOqAIVvAY

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 6, 2025

“The US aggression towards South Africa is nothing more than Israel’s revenge for our moral stance in support of Palestine. Meanwhile, some of us have been labelled international criminals, a designation used before the West assassinated those who opposed its agenda,” Malema stated, according to reports from IOL.

Despite his criticism of US foreign policy, Malema supported the government’s efforts to seek alternative funding. He also urged South Africa to reduce reliance on Western aid and strengthen economic ties with BRICS nations, arguing that the country must choose its own allies and financial partners.

The funding shortfall raises serious concerns for the future of South Africa’s HIV treatment programme, which has long depended on international assistance. While discussions with alternative funders are ongoing, the government faces a significant challenge in ensuring that millions of South Africans continue receiving life-saving treatment without disruption.

With political tensions mounting and funding still unsecured, the question remains—can South Africa sustain its fight against HIV without US support?

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