Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to delay the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act until the Constitutional Court of South Africa rules on several legal challenges. The court hearing is scheduled for 5–7 May 2026.
Multiple organisations — including the Health Funders Association, Medical Association, Board of Healthcare Funders, Private Practitioners Forum, Hospital Association, the Western Cape government and some trade unions — have taken legal action, mainly challenging the public participation process that preceded the Act’s signing.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Tuesday that Ramaphosa and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi agreed to delay the proclamation of any sections of the Act until the court delivers its judgments.
“The litigation that has been initiated by various parties against the President and the Minister of Health has necessitated that President Cyril Ramaphosa following consultations with Minister Aaron Motsoaledi agree to delay the proclamation of any sections of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act until the Constitutional Court has handed down its judgments in challenges due to be heard on 5-7 May 2026,” the Presidency spokesperson, Magwenya said.
However, he stressed that government preparations for NHI implementation will continue, including efforts by the Department of Health to strengthen the health system and improve service quality.
“These cases relate to the public participation process that led to the adoption of the NHI Bill by Parliament.
“The Department of Health has indicated that preparatory work has been ongoing such as the improvement of health services before any sections of the NHI Act are ready for commencement. The undertaking by the President will not affect the timetable for the implementation of the NHI.
“The Department of Health will continue in its constitutional responsibility to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of care,” said Magwenya.
The controversial NHI Bill, signed into law in May 2024, aims to provide free universal healthcare to all South Africans.
Critics argue it could weaken private healthcare and create opportunities for corruption, while government maintains it is necessary to address deep inequalities in the country’s healthcare system.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
