Pic: Jane Mndebele (in the middle) , the first person in South Africa to receive the Lenacapavir injection
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Mpumalanga received and administered the first national rollout of the long-awaited Lenacapavir, which was launched in Secunda on Friday 5 June 2026, marking a defining moment in the country’s public health system.
Jane Mndebele(21) from Embalenhle courageously volunteered to take the Lenacapavir injection, becoming the first person in South Africa to receive the pioneering HIV prevention medication.
The event was attended by Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, Mpumalanga Premier-Mandla Ndlovu, accompanied by Health MEC, Sasekani Manzini, and various other senior national and provincial government officials, as well as stakeholders from the health sector.
Lenacapavir is highly regarded as a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention injection poised to reshape South Africa’s prevention efforts against a pandemic that has ravaged the country for many decades, offering renewed hope in reducing new infections nationwide.
Delivering his welcome speech,Mpumalanga premier Mandla Ndlovu the stated that this landmark development highlights South Africa’s commitment to innovative healthcare solutions, with Mpumalanga leading the way in introducing next-generation HIV prevention tools aimed at strengthening community health and curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Ndlovu added that the launch of Lenacapavir represents a turning point, not only for people living with HIV but a breakthrough for all South Africans.
“ Mpumalanga carries the country’s heaviest HIV burden. To us here in Mpumalanga, a province with the highest HIV prevalence, sitting at 17,4%, this innovation not only brings us hope, but also brings us closer to our vision as a nation, an HIV-free generation,” Ndlovu said.
The Premier also said Lenacapavir is given twice a year, with research studies showing that it has the potential for 96% to 100% success rates.
He said the province of Mpumalanga is ready to act decisively if Lenacapavir is to reach its full potential, with intervention measures including; Intensifying
He mentioned MPAC(Mpumalanga Provincial AIDS Council), as one of the interventions that remains a critical structure for it drives accountability, monitors implementation, and ensures that our response to HIV is not fragmented, but united and strategic,” Premier Ndlovu said.
In his keynote address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high-burden districts are ready to provide the groundbreaking HIV prevention injection, with a target of reaching nearly one million people by the end of 2027 and three million people over the next three years.
According to the President, few countries have carried the burden of HIV as heavily as South Africa, burying citizens of different societal standings. He added that Lenacapavir complements HIV testing, oral PrEP, treatment as prevention, condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision and behavioural interventions.
“ Together, we demonstrated that when government, communities, scientists, activists and international partners work together, lives can be saved.
we welcome the partnership between the South African Government, the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. Together with government funding, this catalytic investment will contribute R1.3 billion towards the rollout of Lenacapavir,” said President Ramaphosa
The President said the capacity to develop, manufacture and distribute medicines is essential to the country’s sovereignty, resilience and prosperity.
“ Let us remain focused. Let us remain strategic. Let us mobilise all our resources and alliances. And let us sustain the effort until this battle is won. Together, we can protect a generation. Together, we can end new HIV infections. Together, we can end AIDS as a public health threat. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger and more hopeful South Africa,” President Ramaphosa concluded.
Other dignitaries at the launch included Deputy Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, Executive Mayor of the Gert Sibande District, Walter Mngomezulu, Co-Chairperson of SANAC, Solly Nduku, Chief Executive of Gilead Sciences, Daniel O’Day, Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Sands, International Development partners, UNITAID, WHO(World Health Organisation), UNAIDS, Children Investment Funds Foundation, Labour, Civil Society, and business sector.
