Trump terminates HIV/AIDS funding programme in South Africa, gives reason

United States President, Donald Trump, has announced the termination of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, in South Africa, citing concerns over the country’s handling of issues affecting its white minority.

The US State Department, which made this known in a statement on Friday, said South Africa failed to address several concerns raised by Washington before the decision was made.

According to the Department, the concerns included the country’s Black Economic Empowerment policies, which US officials argued do not provide exemptions for American companies.

The State Department also lambasted South Africa’s Expropriation Act of 2024, expressing concerns that it could allow property seizures without fair compensation or due process.

The United States further urged South Africa to prioritize rural crime and allocate more resources to tackling attacks in farming communities.

Another issue highlighted was South Africa’s handling of refugee matters, with US officials warning against actions that could disrupt refugee programs under local law.

“South Africa is a middle-income country and is more than capable of supporting its own health programs,” a State Department spokesperson said.