South Africa’s 2025/26 health budget aims to make health care fair and available to everyone through the National Health Insurance (NHI). It focuses on fighting diseases like cancer, mental illness, and malaria, while promoting healthy living to prevent growing health problems. Big steps are planned to improve hospitals, research, and health services across the country. This budget honors a 70-year-old promise that health is a human right and shows the country’s strong hope and effort to build a healthier future for all.
South Africa’s 2025/26 health budget focuses on:
– Implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) for universal health care
– Tackling non-communicable diseases through prevention and screenings
– Expanding cancer and mental health services
– Strengthening health infrastructure, research, and regulation
– Advancing malaria elimination efforts to ensure health equity.
In June 2025, Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla addressed the National Council of Provinces with a message that blended reverence for history with urgent calls for progress. The Department of Health’s 2025/26 budget presentation coincided with a momentous occasion: the seventieth anniversary of the Freedom Charter. Old banners of struggle and hope still inform today’s policy, especially the Charter’s insistence on health as a human right. “Free medical care and hospitalisation shall be provided for all,” the Charter demanded, and successive generations have measured government performance against this ideal.
Phaahla’s speech explored how far South Africa has come, and how much remains unfinished. He acknowledged the Charter as both a moral compass and a source of accountability. Its demand for a “preventative health scheme run by the state” frames the government’s task not as a favor, but as an obligation owed to every citizen. This legacy continues to guide the direction of health reforms and budget priorities.
The speech set the tone for a clear-eyed assessment of achievements, setbacks, and new initiatives. Phaahla’s address was not only a report to Parliament; it was an invitation for the nation to weigh the present against the promises of the past, and to commit anew to building a more equitable health system.
A major highlight of Phaahla’s address was the recent passage of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act in December 2023. This legislation marks a decisive move toward universal access to health care, striving to overcome deep-rooted disparities that have long divided South Africans by income, geography, and race. The NHI aims to guarantee that every South African receives quality health services, regardless of their ability to pay.
However, the journey toward universal health coverage faces real-world challenges. The health department must navigate budget constraints, inherited inefficiencies, and new legal disputes from those opposed to change. The Deputy Minister underscored government’s determination to press forward, emphasizing that the move toward NHI represents a vision akin to that of Britain’s founding of the NHS—a deliberate choice to invest in collective well-being, even in the face of adversity.
The path ahead will require not only funding, but also creative problem-solving. The NHI rollout demands collaboration between the public and private sectors, strong regulatory frameworks, and community engagement. South Africa’s effort to build a more inclusive health system rests on persistent reforms and a willingness to learn from both domestic and international experience.
One of the most pressing health concerns facing South Africa today is the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These include hypertension, diabetes, various cancers, mental illnesses, and chronic respiratory conditions. Globally, NCDs account for 70% of deaths, and South Africa is experiencing the brunt of this trend as lifestyles and diets change and urbanization accelerates.
Deputy Minister Phaahla outlined a multi-pronged approach to this threat. Prevention stands at the forefront, with government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier habits. The Health Promotion Levy, commonly known as the sugar tax, targets excessive sugar consumption, while regulations limit trans fats and salt in processed foods. Public-private partnerships, like the collaboration with Parkrun, draw citizens into regular exercise in community parks, making healthy choices more accessible and social.
Beyond prevention, early detection forms the backbone of the country’s NCD strategy. Over 44 million blood pressure and glucose screenings were performed in 2024/25 alone, thanks to an expanded network of community health workers. The department has set even higher targets for the coming years, recognizing that regular screenings and timely interventions can dramatically reduce the burden of disease. These efforts echo the successful mass campaigns of the past, but are tailored for the complexities of a modern, diverse society.
Cancer remains a significant concern, with breast, prostate, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers being the most commonly diagnosed. Cervical cancer, in particular, has a devastating impact on women aged 15 to 44. Since 2014, government has rolled out the HPV vaccine in schools, achieving an 89% coverage rate for at least one dose among eligible girls by 2024. The department has also prioritized expanding screening, especially for HIV-positive women, and is investing in new radiation oncology facilities in provinces like Mpumalanga, as well as upgrading existing centers in Gauteng and Eastern Cape.
Mental health, which has for too long been sidelined, now receives overdue attention. Substance abuse, unemployment, and high levels of violence have contributed to rising rates of mental illness. Yet, only about 5% of public health spending goes to mental health care, leading to shortages of staff and services. In response, the Department of Health is expanding mental health services in primary clinics, aiming to place dedicated mental health professionals in 75% of community centers by 2029. The department also plans to contract private practitioners to supplement the public sector, a move designed to quickly increase capacity and reach.
Tobacco control continues as a legislative priority, with a new bill under consideration to tighten restrictions on smoking and decrease rates of chronic respiratory disease. Legislative reform is not limited to tobacco; the government also monitors and adjusts policy to address evolving health threats, ensuring that regulation keeps pace with both science and society.
Behind every clinic and hospital lies a network of support institutions that ensure the health system functions smoothly. The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) operates 233 laboratories, providing essential diagnostic and surveillance support. When the NHLS recently faced a cyberattack, its swift recovery underscored both the importance and vulnerability of digital infrastructure in modern health care.
Research and innovation find a champion in the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), which is launching the country’s first large-scale human genome project. This initiative aims to deepen understanding of disease patterns and unlock new treatment possibilities, positioning South Africa as a leader in African health research.
Regulatory bodies such as the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines and medical devices. Meanwhile, the Office of Health Standards Compliance sets the bar for facility quality, a role that becomes even more critical as the NHI certification process unfolds. These agencies work largely outside the public eye, but their influence is felt in every clinic visit and hospital ward.
The Council for Medical Schemes and the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases address issues of equity and justice, particularly for workers with legacy health issues from mining. These institutions help ensure that health care is not only available, but also fair and responsive to those who have borne the brunt of the country’s economic history.
Malaria elimination remains a key goal, with South Africa aiming for zero local transmission. The program has achieved notable results in some districts, though cross-border transmission and changing weather threaten to undermine gains. Targeted interventions, such as clearing transmission foci in endemic provinces, are crucial to keeping the dream of eradication alive.
Ultimately, Deputy Minister Phaahla’s budget speech painted a picture of a health system at a crossroads. The journey toward universal health care is far from over, but significant progress has been made. South Africa’s response to non-communicable diseases, cancer, mental health, and malaria demonstrates both ambition and adaptability. The country’s investment in infrastructure, research, and regulation provides a foundation for future progress.
The health system’s evolution remains anchored in the ideals set out seventy years ago. Progress comes through collective action, sustained investment, and the courage to confront both old and new challenges. The 2025/26 health budget is more than a financial statement—it is a declaration of intent to build a healthier future for all.
The 2025/26 health budget prioritizes:
– Implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) to achieve universal health care
– Combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer by focusing on prevention and early detection
– Expanding cancer and mental health services to meet growing needs
– Strengthening health infrastructure, research, and regulation to improve service quality
– Advancing malaria elimination efforts to promote health equity across all regions
These goals reflect a commitment to making health care accessible and fair, honoring the constitutional right to health.
The NHI is a new public health financing system introduced by the NHI Act of December 2023, aiming to provide universal health coverage for all South Africans regardless of income or location. It seeks to reduce disparities caused by economic and geographic divides by pooling resources and improving access to quality care.
Implementation challenges include managing budget constraints, addressing existing inefficiencies, and overcoming opposition. Success will require collaboration between public and private sectors, strong regulation, and community involvement. The NHI represents a transformative step toward equitable health care inspired by models like the UK’s NHS.
South Africa is tackling NCDs through a multi-faceted approach:
– Prevention initiatives such as the Health Promotion Levy (sugar tax), restrictions on trans fats and salt, and partnerships encouraging physical activity (e.g., Parkrun)
– Widespread screening programs, with over 44 million blood pressure and glucose checks conducted in 2024/25, facilitated by expanded community health worker networks
– Public awareness campaigns promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce risk factors linked to diet, smoking, and inactivity
Early detection and timely intervention are key to reducing the growing burden of NCDs.
Cancer efforts include:
– Continued rollout of the HPV vaccine in schools, currently achieving 89% coverage among eligible girls
– Expanded cancer screening programs, especially for HIV-positive women who are at higher risk of cervical cancer
– Investments in radiation oncology facilities in provinces like Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape
For mental health, which has been historically underfunded, the government plans to:
– Increase mental health staffing in at least 75% of primary health care centers by 2029
– Contract private practitioners to supplement public services, rapidly expanding capacity
– Address social determinants like substance abuse and unemployment contributing to mental illness
Legislative reforms also focus on tobacco control to reduce respiratory illnesses.
Key infrastructure and system support include:
– The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) operating 233 labs that provide diagnostics and disease surveillance; recently recovering swiftly from a cyberattack
– The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) launching the country’s first large-scale human genome project to advance understanding of diseases and develop new treatments
– Regulatory agencies like the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) ensuring medicine and device safety, alongside the Office of Health Standards Compliance monitoring facility quality and NHI certification
– Institutions such as the Council for Medical Schemes and Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases working to ensure fairness, especially for workers affected by occupational health risks
Together, these strengthen the foundation for a resilient health system.
South Africa continues to pursue zero local malaria transmission through:
– Targeted interventions that clear transmission hotspots in endemic regions
– Programs adapted to challenges like cross-border infection and climate variability
– Emphasis on health equity to ensure vulnerable and remote populations receive preventive measures and treatment
Malaria elimination remains a key health priority, aligned with the broader goal of creating an inclusive, equitable health system for all South Africans.
If you want more detailed information or updates, please visit the Department of Health’s official website or follow their public announcements.
South Africa is making big changes to keep a close eye on its top leaders!…
Cape Town is bursting with sports action from December 5th to 7th, 2025! You can…
South African cheesemakers dazzled at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland! They won many…
Mozambique and South Africa just held their 4th big meeting, the BiNational Commission, in Maputo.…
South Africa and Mozambique are like old friends, working together to make things better. They…
South Africa's water system is a mess! Almost half of its drinking water isn't safe,…