Mashatile says SA must rely less on foreign aid after US aid cuts [SOUND]

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says South Africa must reduce its dependence on foreign aid and strengthen its own capacity to fund essential programmes. Addressing the National Council of Provinces, Mashatile warned that cuts in US funding for HIV and AIDS initiatives highlight the risks of over-reliance on external support. He said the government has already re-prioritised resources and engaged the National Treasury to close the funding gap: