Building partnerships for a healthier South Africa
Government and business answer the call
South Africa’s fight against HIV, TB and STIs received renewed momentum on 4 June 2026 as Deputy President Paul Mashatile joined business leaders, healthcare stakeholders and development partners at a landmark SANAC Private Sector Forum (PSF) engagement in Johannesburg.
Hosted at Aspen Pharmacare in Woodmead, the event brought together some of the country’s leading captains of industry to explore how government and business can work together to strengthen South Africa’s health response at a time of growing funding pressures and increasing demand for sustainable solutions.
Featuring addresses from Deputy President Mashatile, SANAC Private Sector Forum Chairperson Mpumi Zikalala and SANAC CEO Dr Thembisile Xulu, the engagement highlighted the critical role that partnerships will play in protecting the gains South Africa has made against HIV and TB while accelerating progress towards the goals of the National Strategic Plan.
A shared responsibility
The message from the platform was clear: the response to HIV and TB cannot be carried by government alone.
As donor funding landscapes continue to evolve, leaders emphasised the need for innovative public-private partnerships capable of mobilising resources, expertise and influence in support of national health priorities. Business was recognised not simply as a contributor, but as an essential partner in creating healthier workplaces, stronger communities and a more resilient economy.
Turning commitment into action
Discussions focused on practical ways the private sector can support prevention programmes, workplace wellness initiatives, screening campaigns and community interventions, while helping to address critical funding gaps that threaten progress made over recent decades.
Participants also highlighted the importance of measurable action, accountability and collaboration across sectors to ensure that investments translate into meaningful impact for those communities most affected by HIV and TB.
Strengthening the national response
A significant milestone of the engagement was the formal launch of the SANAC Provincial Private Sector Forums across all nine provinces. These structures will serve as important platforms for mobilising business leadership, strengthening local partnerships and driving coordinated action where it is needed most.
The event also aligned stakeholders ahead of key international funding milestones, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to presenting a united front in securing future investment for the country’s health priorities.
Leadership through partnership
The SANAC Private Sector Forum continues to provide a bridge between government, business and civil society, creating opportunities for collective leadership and shared accountability in addressing some of South Africa’s most pressing health challenges.
As speakers throughout the event emphasised, the future of South Africa’s HIV and TB response will depend not only on funding, but on partnerships that harness the strengths of every sector.
The message emerging from the engagement was one of optimism and purpose: when government and business work together, lasting impact becomes possible.
Watch the event here
