President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the national rollout of Lenacapavir at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, Mpumalanga on Friday 5 June 2026, describing the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection as a major turning point in South Africa’s national story. Image: Supplied/Panyaza lesufi
President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the national rollout of Lenacapavir on Friday 5 June 2026 at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, Mpumalanga. The Ramaphosa Lenacapavir launch marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s fight against HIV. Furthermore, Ramaphosa described the injection as a major turning point in South Africa’s national story. As a result, millions of South Africans will now have access to a new twice-yearly HIV prevention tool that could change the country’s public health landscape.
Ramaphosa Lenacapavir Launch: What Was Announced
Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention medicine. One injection every six months provides strong protection against HIV infection. Furthermore, it offers an alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis tablets. As a result, people at high risk of infection no longer need to remember to take a pill every day.
The rollout starts at 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high-burden districts. The government aims to reach one million people by 2027 and three million within three years. South Africa received its first shipment of nearly 38,000 doses in April 2026. Distribution to districts began on 24 May 2026. Therefore, many facilities were already prepared before the official launch took place.
Gauteng received enough stock to treat 56,079 clients between 8 June 2026 and 31 March 2027. Moreover, the province will begin at 133 clinics across its districts.
What Ramaphosa Said at the Lenacapavir Launch
President Ramaphosa delivered a powerful address at the Secunda launch. Lenacapavir, he said, represents far more than a medical intervention. “To us, Lenacapavir is not just a medicine or a drug. To us, it represents a major turning point in South Africa’s national story,” Ramaphosa told the crowd.
The president described the injection as the triumph of science over despair. He added that it shows the power of innovation to save lives. Furthermore, Ramaphosa stressed that lifesaving medicines must reach everyone who needs them. “A single injection administered twice a year can provide powerful protection against HIV infection. It reduces barriers to adherence, expands choice and strengthens dignity,” he said.
Ramaphosa also called on South Africans to unite toward an HIV-free generation. “Together, we can protect a generation, end new HIV infections and end AIDS as a public health threat,” he said.
The R1.3 Billion Partnership Behind the Rollout
A R1.3 billion partnership supports the Lenacapavir rollout. Funding comes from the South African government, the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. Furthermore, Ramaphosa said the partnership reflects a core principle. “Lifesaving medicines must not be a privilege reserved for a few. They must be available to all who need them,” he said.
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Deputy Minister Dr Joe Phaahla and Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu attended the launch alongside SANAC representatives, development partners and donors. Furthermore, UNAIDS South Africa called the launch a globally significant milestone in HIV prevention.
Why South Africa Needs Lenacapavir
South Africa carries the world’s largest HIV burden. In fact, an estimated 7.9 million South Africans are living with HIV. Furthermore, new infections continue at a rate that threatens the country’s 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. Therefore, the rollout targets high-burden districts and populations most at risk of infection.
Minister Motsoaledi warned against growing complacency at the launch. Specifically, he said South Africans must not accept AIDS as a normal part of life. “We are worried that as South Africans, we are starting to get used to the idea that we can live with AIDS,” Motsoaledi said. His warning underlined the urgency behind the Lenacapavir programme.
Ramaphosa first committed to the Lenacapavir rollout in his State of the Nation Address in February 2026. “We will be undertaking a massive rollout of Lenacapavir, a six-monthly injection that has proven highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV,” he said at SONA. Friday’s launch delivered on that promise.
A Promise Kept at the Ramaphosa Lenacapavir Launch
International partners welcomed the announcement and called it a globally significant milestone. Furthermore, the rollout positions South Africa as a leader in HIV prevention across Africa. As a result, the Secunda launch sets the stage for a phased national programme focused on accessibility, affordability and long-term sustainability.
Ramaphosa also committed to expanding local pharmaceutical production. In addition, South Africa will support regional manufacturing and technology transfer as part of the African Union’s goal of producing 60 percent of the continent’s health products by 2040.
For more information on Lenacapavir and HIV prevention visit the Department of Health at health.gov.za.
Editors Note All information in this article is based on the official launch address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, Mpumalanga on Friday 5 June 2026 and supporting media reports. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.