On March 24, 2026, Deputy President Paul Mashatile spoke at the World TB Day event in the Western Cape. He highlighted South Africa’s progress against tuberculosis (TB). This affects all South Africans, especially people living with HIV and men. TB remains the leading cause of death for those with HIV. These updates matter now as they show gains amid ongoing challenges. This article covers confirmed facts, context, implications, and near-term steps, based on SAnews.gov.za.
Mashatile shared key data from the government’s TB program. The TB incidence rate, or new cases each year, dropped 61% by 2024. Treatment success for drug-resistant TB reached 79%. Lost-to-follow-up rates for these patients fell to single digits. This came from shorter, better regimens.
Here are the main stats from his speech:
- 61% reduction in TB incidence rate by 2024
- 79% treatment success rate for drug-resistant TB
- Single-digit lost-to-follow-up rates for drug-resistant TB
- 70% of testing target met, with over 3.5 million tests in the past year—the highest ever
All figures come from Mashatile, as reported by SAnews.gov.za.
South Africa’s End TB campaign started last year’s World TB Day in KwaZulu-Natal. It pushes for more testing and treatment. TB deaths fell 17% since 2015. This falls short of the 75% goal.
The 2021 TB Survey found 56% of TB cases face catastrophic socio-economic costs that push families into poverty. TB deaths dropped only 17% since 2015, missing the 75% target.
Men show higher positivity rates despite fewer tests. Mashatile noted this gap, per SAnews.gov.za.
Treatment coverage slipped from 79% to 74% last year. Mashatile called this a call to action. He stressed patient-centered care and early detection. This would cut barriers to testing and treatment. TB still burdens public health, communities, and the economy.
| Progress | Challenges |
|---|---|
| 61% drop in TB incidence by 2024 | Treatment coverage at 74% (down from 79%) |
| 79% success for drug-resistant TB | Only 17% drop in TB deaths since 2015 (vs. 75% goal) |
Mashatile said these points show both wins and work ahead, per SAnews.gov.za.
Mashatile urged doubling efforts to fix the treatment gap. He called for more testing among men to find hidden cases. People close to TB patients should test right away. If positive, start and finish treatment. If negative, seek TB Preventive Therapy (TPT).
This progress is worth celebrating, as it not only saves lives but also restores hope. It exemplifies that through unity, strengthened partnerships and innovation, we can effectively combat disease, reclaim futures, rebuild communities, and revitalize our national spirit.
The event took place at Caledon Sports Grounds. These steps build on current gains, as Mashatile stated in SAnews.gov.za.
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