WATCH | SA seeks new HIV funding as Motsoaledi declares ‘Trump owes us nothing’

Aaron Motsoaledi

Cape Town – The South African government has begun urgent discussions with local and international funding organisations to address a budget shortfall in its HIV treatment programme after US President Donald Trump halted nearly $440 million in aid from the US President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told MPs on Thursday that the government was in talks with multiple funders, including the Gates Foundation, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, but no commitments had been secured yet.

“I want to emphasise to you 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. Now I believe then that Trump does not owe us any cent. Trump doesn’t owe South Africa any cent whatsoever. And for that reason, we need to stand on our own,” the minister said.

He also suggested a review of subsidies for private medical aid schemes amid financial constraints.

“We must not waste this crisis.

“For that reason, Honourable Malema, I am challenging this House. Can we call a debate? To come and debate in this House? Why? All of us here, including all well-to-do South Africans who are on medical aid, why are we still getting heavy subsidies to stay on private medical aid? Is it fair? Should we be doing that during this difficult moment?,” he said. (Watch the ENCA clip above).

EFF leader Julius Malema had argued that Trump’s decision was politically motivated, accusing the US of punishing South Africa for supporting Palestine and charging Israel at the International Court of Justice, according to IOL.

“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 said, as per the report.

He urged South Africa to reduce reliance on Western aid and strengthen ties with BRICS nations.

Despite political tensions, Malema welcomed the government’s search for alternative funding, stating that South Africa must choose its own allies and economic partners.

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