Kill them with silence

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi appear eager to speak about anything except HIV.

Chris Sassman in Cape Town

The US government has slashed its aid to South Africa, from which came as much as 17% of the country’s funds for HIV care and prevention. Services are collapsing as a result. Reuters reports that viral load testing for key groups has fallen by 21% in the past two months. But President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi appear eager to speak about anything except HIV, while infighting in the ruling coalition, between the top two parties, dominates national headlines. Ahead of municipal elections, politicians are focused on saving face – not lives.