The National Department of Health, through its spokesperson Foster Mohale, debunked claims that people with HIV will get a grant amounting to R1 200.

The announcement follows a series of viral social media posts claiming the payments would begin this May.

The department called these statements false and misleading.

“People living with HIV should ignore this fake news. They should take the free, life-saving treatment at public health facilities to live longer and healthier lives.”

Officials are urging the public to be cautious of fake news found online. The department advised citizens to always verify information with credible sources before passing it on to friends or family.