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A nurse hands out a red ribbon to a woman, to mark World Aids Day.
The National Department of Health is warning the public about fake news circulating on social media, claiming that people living with HIV will receive a grant amounting to R1 200 from May 2026.
The department says this information is false and misleading.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale has urged members of the public to always verify information received on social media with reliable and credible sources before sharing it.
“The public is therefore advised to always fact-check or verify information received through social media, with reliable and credible sources, before sharing. People living with HIV are urged to ignore this fake news but continue to take a life-saving treatment available freely in public health facilities to live longer and healthier.”
The claim that HIV-positive citizens will receive a R1,200 grant starting in May 2026 is false.
The public is urged to fact-check information on social media before sharing it, providing personal information, or making any payments in response to such fake news. pic.twitter.com/aceHZiqx1R
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) March 6, 2026
