The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) invites you to attend a panel discussion titled, One year later – the affects of the 2025 HIV funding cuts a conversation exploring the impact of the 2025 funding withdrawal for the HIV response, especially for at risk and LGBTQIA+ communities. The panel will consist of leading experts in the field, both within health research and operating directly on the ground with affected groups.
- Date: Thursday, 12 February 2026
- Time: 16:00 to 17:30
- Venue: Dibukafé, 70 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
- RSVP here
The panel will be chaired by Keval Harie, Director of The Gay and Lesbian Archive (GALA), with the following speakers:
- Dr Nkosiphile Ndlovu: the Principal Investigator at Wits RHI and one of the leading scientists doing groundbreaking work in HIV prevention and cure research.
- Jean Spiri: Director of IFAS and previous director of Crips Ile-de-France, a recognised regional organisation in France dedicated to youth health, sexual education, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
- Lunga Sithole: A linkage office at OUT LGBT-wellbeing who play a significant role in significant LGBT+ rights campaigns, major legal victories, and ground-breaking research.
- Luiz de Barros: Creator and owner of South Africa’s longest running and leading LGBTQ news and lifestyle platform.
- Mmakobo Gaegake, Johannesburg Health District : HAST Deputy Director and manager of the new Dedicated Wellness Centre for LGBTQIA+ Community and Sex Workers in the city of Johannesburg.
The discussion will also be the formal closing of the ‘KEEP THE PROMISE’ exhibition, a partnership between Crips Ile-de-France and GALA displaying historic and contemporary HIV/AIDS activist materials from SA and France, closely linked to queer and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Download the event invitation here.


Problem displaying Facebook posts.
Click to show error