President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to delay the proclamation of certain sections of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act following legal challenges concerning the public participation process.
The decision follows consultations with Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and comes as the matter heads to the Constitutional Court of South Africa, where hearings are expected in early May.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that while the contested sections will not be implemented at this stage, the broader NHI rollout timeline remains unchanged.
“The Department of Health will continue to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of care,” Magwenya said.
He added that the government remains committed to implementing the legislation in line with legal requirements.
“Government remains committed to the National Health Insurance and will work within the requirements of the law and the judicial process to ensure that there is no undue delay.”
The pause is intended to allow the judicial process to unfold without disrupting ongoing preparatory work within the health sector.
VOC News
Photo: @PresidencyZA/x
