President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable access to quality healthcare for all South Africans in his weekly newsletter on March 23, 2026. He highlighted the successful separation of conjoined twins at Mankweng Hospital as proof of the public health system’s strength. This matters now as South Africa pushes forward with National Health Insurance (NHI) to make quality healthcare accessible to all South Africans, no matter their income or location. The comments come from SAnews.gov.za.
The separation of the conjoined twins at Mankweng Hospital succeeded thanks to skilled healthcare workers. President Ramaphosa called it a remarkable achievement.
This achievement is more than a medical milestone. It is proof of what our public health system is capable of. It is a reminder that South Africa possesses world-class medical expertise, not only in the private hospitals in our cities, but also in public facilities serving communities that have historically been neglected and underserved.
He credited sustained investment in training, including bursaries and practical programs (SAnews.gov.za, President’s newsletter).
South Africa’s Constitution guarantees every person access to healthcare services. This right should not depend on birthplace, income, or location. Yet many citizens still face barriers to quality care.
President Ramaphosa pointed to stark inequalities in the system:
- About 16% of the population uses private healthcare.
- Private care gets far more resources per patient than public care, which serves most South Africans.
Our Constitution guarantees every person the right of access to healthcare services. That right cannot depend on where you were born, how much you earn or where you live… These two parts of our healthcare system cannot continue to operate in parallel, as if serving two separate nations. They must work together in service of one nation.
These facts come from the President’s newsletter (SAnews.gov.za).
The NHI aims to transform access so all South Africans get quality care without financial strain. It goes beyond funding to unite the system.
President Ramaphosa called for collaboration between public and private providers, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and communities. He stressed healthcare workers’ central role.
The great achievement at Mankweng Hospital has shown us what is possible. It has also reminded us of what is necessary: a health system that serves every South African with excellence, compassion and dedication.
Note: Only 16% of South Africans use private healthcare, yet it receives much higher spending per patient.
All points are from verified statements in the newsletter (SAnews.gov.za).
The government plans several steps to ready the public system for NHI. These focus on key improvements:
- Upgrading facilities to boost service quality in underserved areas.
- Expanding the community health worker programme for better local care.
- Improving access to medicines to meet daily needs.
- Introducing digital systems for efficient management.
- Supporting and retaining professionals through training, bursaries, and better conditions.
President Ramaphosa tied these to the Mankweng success as a model for progress (SAnews.gov.za).
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