Former radio host and political commentator Gareth Cliff has come under fire for spreading misinformation regarding the United States’ financial contributions to South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programmes. His claims, which suggested that the US was solely responsible for funding the country’s response to the epidemic, have been debunked by fact-checking organization Africa Check.
Cliff made the remarks in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to halt USAID funding to South Africa, a move that could have significant implications for the country’s public health sector.
Africa Check Refutes Gareth Cliff’s Claims
Although Cliff has since deleted his post, screenshots circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism from the public and experts alike. Africa Check, an independent fact-checking organization, investigated the claim and found it to be entirely false.
According to Africa Check, South Africa’s government remains the largest contributor to its own HIV/AIDS funding, covering more than 70% of the budget. The US-funded President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the second-largest source, contributing approximately 24%, while additional support comes through the Global Fund and other international initiatives.
“PEPFAR directly contributed around 24% of South African HIV/AIDS funding. Additional USAID funding indirectly contributed through initiatives like the Global Fund, but these had other funding sources as well. The majority of HIV/AIDS funding, over 70%, has been provided by South Africa’s own government,” Africa Check stated.
Ramaphosa Addresses US Funding Cut
During his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed concern over Trump’s decision to suspend parts of its funding for HIV and TB programmes across Africa.
Ramaphosa emphasized that while the US remains a strategic political and trade partner, its contribution to South Africa’s HIV/AIDS response is limited in scope.
“With the exception of PEPFAR aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme, there is no other significant funding that is provided by the US in SA,” Ramaphosa stated.
Government Plans to Offset Funding Shortfall
The South African government is now looking at various strategies to mitigate the impact of the funding cut. Ramaphosa assured citizens that interventions are being developed to address immediate healthcare needs and ensure that essential services continue uninterrupted.
Public health experts warn that the US funding suspension could put pressure on HIV/AIDS programmes, particularly those reliant on international support. However, they also highlight that South Africa’s robust domestic funding structure ensures that the country’s HIV/AIDS response will not collapse due to the US withdrawal.
Public Reaction and Social Media Criticism
Many social media users were quick to condemn Gareth Cliff for his misleading statements, accusing him of spreading disinformation that could harm public understanding of critical health issues.
“Try to be smart for a day, Gareth. It won’t kill you,” one user commented, referencing the backlash against the former radio host.
Others pointed out the broader implications of misinformation on social media, urging public figures to fact-check their claims before posting.
With the controversy still trending, it serves as a reminder of the responsibility that influential voices carry in shaping public discourse, especially on matters as sensitive as public health funding.
