A new South Africa health law aims at deep inequality, but critics say they’ll challenge it

August 21, 2023

2 minutes read

South Africa’s unprecedented new coalition has 7 parties in the Cabinet. Here’s a breakdown

On Wednesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa enacted a significant new law designed to transform the country’s healthcare system and tackle longstanding inequalities. This legislation introduces a National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which aims to ensure that all South Africans can access private healthcare services. Currently, 80% of the population relies on overstretched public healthcare facilities, while only about 16% have access to private care through medical aid plans.

With the national unemployment rate at 32.9%, many South Africans, particularly within the Black majority, find it difficult to afford private healthcare. Public health facilities are often burdened by long waiting times and a shortage of essential medications.

Ramaphosa emphasized that the NHI seeks to provide quality healthcare for everyone and create a more integrated health system. He stated, “At its core, the National Health Insurance represents a pledge to eliminate the stark inequalities that have historically dictated who receives adequate healthcare and who faces neglect.”

However, the law is not without controversy. Opposition parties have accused Ramaphosa of leveraging the announcement for political gain, as it comes just weeks before crucial elections. The May 29 vote is anticipated to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) potentially facing its first election outcome of less than 50% since it took power in 1994.

Concerns regarding the financial sustainability of the NHI have also been voiced, particularly regarding the possibility of tax increases required to fund the initiative.

In response to these challenges, the official opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), announced plans to legally contest the new law. Additionally, the civil rights organization AfriForum is preparing to challenge the law’s constitutionality, and various business groups have labeled it as impractical and financially unfeasible.

The Health Funders Association, representing stakeholders involved in the private healthcare funding sector, noted that significant time would be needed before the NHI is fully implemented, highlighting ongoing concerns about the bill’s viability.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Nigeria Sets 16 as Minimum Age for University Admission

The Federal Government of Nigeria has established 16 as the minimum age for admission into ...

Red sea

Germany Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Incident in Red Sea

Germany summoned China’s ambassador to Berlin on July 8, 2025, after a Chinese warship allegedly ...

CHOLERA

Sudan Faces Malnutrition and Cholera Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict

In El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur province, nearly 40% of children under ...

Russia

Ex-Russian Minister Starovoit Dies in Apparent Suicide

Russia’s former Transport Minister Roman Starovoit, 53, was found dead with a gunshot wound in ...

Features

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea’s military-led government has officially announced that a national referendum on a new constitution will ...

Ivory Coast economic growth

Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic Boom Faces Political Test in 2025 Election

Ivory Coast’s Economic Success: A Model for West Africa Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as one ...

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley: The Trailblazing African American Poet Who Defied Oppression

Phillis Wheatley: A Pioneer in Black Literature and Poetry Phillis Wheatley was a groundbreaking poet ...

Women Participation in Politics

International Women’s Day 2025: Advancing Rights, Equality, and Leadership for African Women

The 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 8th is the day in 1775 that the Olive Branch Petition is signed by the Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram383.9665
GH Ghana Cedi10.4109
GM Gambian Dalasi71.5
GN Guinea Franc8,661.17
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,534.07
CF CFA Franc BEAC559.5482
08 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 08 Jul 2025 22:05 UTC
Latest change: 08 Jul 2025 22:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?