TAC wants to see ALL public healthcare users accessing quality and dignified health services – including people living with HIV, sex workers, people who use drugs, and the LGBTQIA+ community
The latest Ritshidze community-led monitoring report looks at the state of 360 clinics almost a year on from the drastic funding cuts made by the United States government #ClinicsInCrisis
All Power to the People! Read our report highlighting key moments in the 25 years of TAC
Take a glimpse into TAC over the years 1998 to 2026 in our struggle for our rights, our health, our lives
Find out how a campaign got 77% more people living with HIV a 3 month supply of ARVs in Thabo Mofutsanyana #MoreARVPillsNow
For the last 15 years TAC and the Fix the Patent Laws campaign have been demanding urgent patent law reform in South Africa
Get the latest on HIV treatment information in our Modern ART for South Africa free app and downloadable resources
Tac news
TAC in time
Key moments 1998-2026
TAC in time
Key moments 1998-2026
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December 1998
The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) is launched on the steps of St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. Days earlier Aids activist Simon Nkoli had died.
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July 2002
The Constitutional Court rules in favour of TAC, forcing government to provide nevirapine to pregnant mothers.
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October 2003
Hazel Tau wins Competition Commission complaint over the excessive pricing of antiretrovirals. The commission refers the case to the tribunal and TAC then negotiates voluntary licences that facilitate access.
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December 2012
Landmark Dudley Lee Constitutional Court ruling establishes prisoners’ rights to access TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The ruling found the Department of Correctional Services liable for failing to prevent a severe tuberculosis outbreak at Pollsmoor Prison. TAC was earlier admitted as a friend of the court or amicus curiae. This is a landmark case that highlights the State’s responsibility for ensuring that the constitutional rights of detainees are maintained and safeguarded.
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October 2016
In a major victory, Benny Malakoane is removed as MEC of Health in the Free State – TAC campaigned for his removal for more than two years. Under Malakoane’s watch the public healthcare system in the province went from crisis to crisis.
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November 2016
The convictions of the #BopheloHouse94 are overturned in the Bloemfontein High Court. This is a major victory for the right to protest. This finally brings to an end the state’s callous and vindictive persecution of this courageous group of mostly elderly women.
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May 2018
After nine years of development, the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) finally published the Intellectual Property Policy of the Republic of South Africa, Phase I. The policy was adopted by cabinet and as such represents official government policy, and has the potential to herald a new era in access to medicines for South Africa. This marks a major victory for the Fix the Patent Laws campaign after 7 years of campaigning.
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May 2018
In a major victory, an historic settlement is announced in the case of 7 mining companies vs the former mineworkers who contracted silicosis and/or tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa’s gold mines. The ruling provides some relief for the family members of deceased mineworkers.
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December 2019
Ritshidze is launched by TAC and the PLHIV Sector. Meaning “Saving Our Lives” in TshiVenda, Ritshidze is a new model of community-led monitoring developed to hold both the South African government and international donors like PEPFAR accountable, to improve overall HIV and TB service delivery. Ritshidze is the largest community-led monitoring system in the world.
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May 2026
The Department of Health commits to enrol 1.5 million people on 6 month supply of ARVs by March 2027.