EFF condemns racist and misogynistic headline by The Star newspaper regarding HIV/AIDS and condom use

28 November 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns, in the strongest terms, the headline of today's edition of The Star newspaper implying that black women do not want to use condoms. In an article that was supposed to analyse the latest Human Sciences Research Council's (HSRC) report on HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the paper resorted to unwarranted racist drivel, using degrading stereotypes to sell newspapers.

The report by the HSRC highlights a higher prevalence of HIV infections among black women compared to men. However, the newspaper chose to misinterpret this, suggesting that black women are more inclined to refuse the use of condoms. This extrapolation lacks a foundation in scientific facts, research, or a comprehensive understanding of reading statistics.

Basic research would have revealed to The Star, that black women are also at the highest risk of sexual violence, and many women face challenges in negotiating condom use. These behavioural patterns have been studied for decades, and there has never been any evidence to suggest that high prevalence of infection equates to a deliberate neglect of condom use.

This is a display of a high level of ignorance and contributes to the ongoing perpetuation of stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in a country that has worked tirelessly to destigmatise the disease. It is essential to continue efforts to educate people about the disease, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to undergo testing, and seek medication if they test positive.

Yet, the perspective promoted by The Star newspaper contradicts the ethical and journalistic responsibility not only to deliver accurate information but also to act as an ethical guide in handling such subjects in the media, particularly when they relate to public health. Additionally, they lean into colonial and racist stereotypes of black women as promiscuous and hypersexual, which are not rooted in fact, but in prejudice.

This type of reporting is harmful, offensive, and exhibits irresponsibility and recklessness, and has no rightful place in our country. Given the extensive studies and research conducted in the realm of HIV/AIDS, headlines like these can only stem from deliberate ignorance, and a vendetta to display black women in the worst light possible.

Therefore, the EFF demands that The Star retract this headline and article, revise their ethical standards and editorial processes that led to the publication of this article, and offer an apology to the black women of South Africa.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 28 November 2023