More than eight million South Africans are living with HIV – the highest number of any country in the world – just as the US cuts $400m a year in funding for treatment programmes, and thousands of migrants are fleeing amid threats of anti-foreigner violence. The US State Department has confirmed a phased drawdown of Pepfar funding for South Africa, which had provided about a fifth of the country's HIV spending. Separately, in Durban, as many as 10,000 migrants, mainly Malawians, have taken refuge in a park after armed young men went door-to-door telling them to leave by the end of the month.
The US funding cut is linked to President Donald Trump's executive order alleging South African policies promote violence against white farmers – a claim the South African government rejects. The anti-foreigner ultimatum comes amid long-standing xenophobia in South Africa, where high unemployment fuels blame of immigrants. Similar riots killed 62 in 2008 and flared in 2015 and 2019.
“Explaining why South Africa faces US HIV funding cuts and xenophobic violence.”
For UK readers, the situation matters because the UK has strong economic ties with South Africa, and British aid has historically supported health programmes. Meanwhile, in a separate story, former BBC presenter Gary Lineker – whose net worth is estimated at £30m – has taken a punditry role on ITV after leaving the BBC, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of individuals in different countries.
Q: Why is the US cutting HIV funding to South Africa? The US State Department says it is due to South Africa's failure to make progress on policy requests, including protecting white-minority Afrikaners – allegations South Africa denies. The cut affects Pepfar, which provided about $400m a year.
Q: What is behind the anti-foreigner violence in South Africa? South Africa has high unemployment and poverty, leading some to blame migrants. Official figures say there are about 2.4 million migrants, though campaign groups claim several times that. Threats have forced thousands to seek shelter in a Durban park, fearing a repeat of deadly riots in 2008, 2015 and 2019.
Q: How does Gary Lineker's net worth compare? The former England striker and broadcaster is estimated to be worth around £30m, built from his playing career, BBC salary (over £1.35m annually), and his Goalhanger Podcasts business, which generated nearly £38m in revenue last year.
South Africa's health ministry says it has a self-reliance plan, but the phased drawdown of Pepfar funding will start soon. The deadline for the anti-foreigner ultimatum is June 30, with many migrants awaiting deportation buses. Lineker will appear on ITV for the 2026 World Cup.