Matthew Bongani Lani, (born 9 October 1997)[1] professionally known as. Dr Matthew, is a South African[2] social media personality,[3] HIV/AIDS Clinician.[4] He is recognized for his public health advocacy,[5] particularly in HIV prevention and treatment, influenced by his own experience living with HIV.[6] Lani has publicly shared that he was deliberately infected by his ex-partner, a story he discussed during an appearance on Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja on SABC 3,[7] in a YouTube episode titled My Partner Deliberately Infected with HIV.[8] He rose to prominence in October 2023 by posting medical advice about HIV on TikTok. On 29 October 2023, he was arrested at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg on charges of impersonating medical personnel;[9] those charges were withdrawn 2 days later.[10]
Matthew Lani began his education in Bordeaux Primary School. Lani then enrolled at Gresswold Senior School, a school for learners with Special needs. According to information released by the Gauteng Department of Education in an official statement dated 11 October 2023, Lani does not hold a matric certificate[11][12]
Personal life
On 29 October 2023, Matthew Lani stated that he had been denied access to antiretroviral medication by the Gauteng Department of Health.[13] He subsequently sought assistance from the South African Human Rights Commission, which confirmed receipt of his complaint in media interviews.[3][11]
In October 2024, multiple media reports indicated that Lani and his mother were residing in a temporary shelter.[14] These reports also referenced financial and personal challenges following public controversy surrounding Lani's online presence.[15][16]
Social media presence
In October 10, 2023, amidst allegations of misrepresentation regarding his qualifications, his TikTok account, which had amassed 300,000 followers, was banned. As reported by IOL News[17] A few days later, Lani created a new account, which also gained 50,000 followers.[18]
Early Advocacy and Public Health Work
Lani's advocacy for HIV awareness and treatment education stems from his personal experience with the virus. He used social media platforms to raise awareness on HIV prevention, treatment adherence, and stigma reduction. His content on platforms such as TikTok gained him recognition.[8]
Arrest
On 9 October 2023, Lani made international headlines on his birthday when the Gauteng Department of Health accused him of impersonating a doctor.[19] The department alleged that Lani had been visiting health facilities to create misleading content, potentially causing confusion and harm to patients. The accusation quickly garnered attention from several other institutions, including the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA),[20] Wits University,[21] and the Gauteng Department of Education.[22]
The controversy reached its peak on 29 October 2023, when Lani was arrested at Helen Joseph Hospital. Authorities apprehended him on charges of attempting to impersonate a doctor.[23][24] However, Lani's legal team maintained his innocence,[25] and during his appearance before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped all charges due to a lack of sufficient evidence.[26]
Civil Proceedings
In December 2023, Lani announced his intention to file a civil lawsuit against the Gauteng Department of Health, alleging defamation and claiming that he was unlawfully barred from accessing public healthcare facilities, which, according to him, impeded his ability to obtain antiretroviral medication. He sought assistance from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC),[27] which acknowledged receipt of the complaint and expressed concern over the alleged violation of his right to healthcare.[28]
In March 2024, Lani’s legal representatives, SNT Attorneys, issued a letter of demand to the Gauteng Department of Health, seeking R9 million in damages.[29][30]The demand cited “malicious and unlawful arrest and detention” at Helen Joseph Hospital on 29 October 2023. The letter claimed Lani had been detained without a warrant by security personnel from Potlako Security & Cleaning Services, acting on behalf of the department. His attorneys indicated that they were awaiting his instruction to proceed with filing a formal summons.[31][32]
Awards and recognition
702 South Africans Doing Great Things AVAC Young Leaders Award[33]
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