Residents of Evaton, a community south of Johannesburg, gathered at the Emthonjeni Awareness Centre to collect food parcels donated by the US Department of Social Development, according to Africanews.
The event on Wednesday highlighted the resilience of a community facing uncertainty after US President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign aid, which has impacted numerous NGOs across Africa.
A non-governmental organisation Emthonjeni Awareness Centre focuses on supporting orphans and vulnerable children affected by the HIV pandemic, as well as running programs for women and youth in the community.
The centre is one of many organisations affected by the suspension of funding under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID, initiatives that have been critical in addressing health and social challenges in South Africa.
Impact of the aid freeze
Trump’s executive order, signed shortly after his return to the White House, froze nearly all US foreign aid, leaving many beneficiaries and staff at NGOs concerned about the future. While many anticipated that Trump’s “America First” policy would deprioritise Africa, the sudden halt to aid came as a shock.
Emthonjeni supports over 200 patients living with HIV/AIDS and employs 15 staff members who conduct patient visits and provide essential services. Harriet Mutle, a social worker at the centre, emphasised the critical role of US funding in sustaining the efforts.
I would be happy if President Trump stopped this crisis and restored things to normal. I don’t think he is aware of how much this funding has helped us and the beneficiaries.
The US is the largest global provider of foreign aid, budgeting approximately $60 billion in 2023, or about 1% of the federal budget. The freeze has left a significant gap in funding for programs that address pressing health and social issues in communities like Evaton.
Despite the challenges, the Evaton community has come together to support one another. The food parcel distribution event at Emthonjeni Awareness Centre is a testament to the strength and unity of the community in the face of adversity.
