The US government says it will stop funding programmes in South Africa intended to tackle the spread of HIV and Aids, a decision linked to a dispute over South Africa's alleged failure to protect the white-minority Afrikaner community — an allegation repeatedly rejected by the South African government. More than eight million South Africans are living with HIV, the highest number of any country in the world. Until 2025, the US was supporting South Africa's efforts with an estimated $400m (£300m) a year through the President's Emergency Fund for Aids Relief (Pepfar). But since Donald Trump's inauguration, relations have soured. Trump issued an executive order alleging that "countless" South African policies dismantled equal opportunities and fuelled violence "against racially disfavored landowners", a claim disputed by South Africa. The order also highlighted South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and its links to Iran. The White House said that given these "unjust and immoral practices", further aid would not be provided. Trump has also falsely alleged a "white genocide" taking place in South Africa, leading to a refugee programme for Afrikaners. A US State Department official confirmed that a "phased drawdown" of Pepfar funding would now start because of "South Africa's failure to make demonstrable progress on policy requests by the administration". The intention was to "foster self-reliance", the official added, noting that "South Africa is a middle-income country and is more than capable of supporting its own health programs". South Africa's health ministry said it had not been informed of this decision but had "long been working on a self-reliance plan".
Separately, Gary Lineker is set to make a shock appearance as a pundit on ITV for the 2026 World Cup clash between Germany and Ivory Coast, crossing traditional battle lines after 26 years at the BBC. The 65-year-old stepped down from his role at the BBC in May 2025, where he had been the highest-paid on-air talent with a salary of more than £1.35m annually. Despite leaving, his net worth is widely estimated at around £30m, built through his playing career, broadcasting, and commercial endorsements. Much of his wealth comes from Goalhanger Podcasts, the media production firm he co-founded, which generated nearly £38m in revenue last year and recently surpassed 250,000 paid subscribers. Lineker retains at least a 25% stake. The 2026 World Cup has also been a financial goldmine: Lineker and his The Rest is Football co-hosts, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, are recording a 40-episode run for Netflix, which reportedly paid £14m for exclusive rights.
“US stops HIV funding to South Africa, affecting millions, as Gary Lineker lands ITV World Cup punditry role with £30m net worth.”