By Thulane Madalane
Mbombela – In a pivotal address to the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature on July 22, 2025, the MEC for Health, SasekaniManzini, announced a significant budget allocation of R19.75 billion for the Department of Health for the 2025/26 financial year. This budget reflects the province’s ongoing commitment to quality health care as a fundamental human right, with a pronounced emphasis on enhancing primary health care services across Mpumalanga.
During her speech, MEC Manzini drew inspiration from the Freedom Charter, a foundational document advocating for free medical care and prioritizing the health needs of mothers and children. She articulated the notion that health care transcends being merely a service; it is a constitutional right and vital in the ongoing struggle for equality in South Africa.
MEC Manzini highlighted the historical context of health disparities in the country, particularly during the apartheid era, when access to health services was starkly divided along racial lines. She noted that, since the end of apartheid, there have been significant improvements in key health statistics in Mpumalanga, with current life expectancies reported at 67.4 years for females and 62.8 years for males, alongside reductions in infant mortality rates.
The budget aligns closely with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the African National Congress (ANC) Manifesto, both of which emphasize expanding health care access and promoting preventive health strategies. A significant component of this budget is dedicated to the National Health Insurance (NHI) project, which aims to bolster primary health care delivery.
Central to the budget presentation was the introduction of the “Cheka Impilo Campaign,” designed to motivate the province’s population of 5.1 million residents to prioritize their health through regular medical check-ups. This initiative will feature outreach programs focused on promoting early health interventions, particularly among men.
In recognition of Mpumalanga’s growing population and the corresponding demand for health services, the budget has been revised to support infrastructure development, allocating R1.7 billion for various projects, including the construction of new hospitals and clinics.
The budget further prioritizes Universal Health Coverage (UHC), aiming to increase access to health services while minimizing financial burdens for residents. Plans include contracting general practitioners to improve service availability at primary health care facilities and enhancing maternal and child health services with the purchase of specialized equipment.
Key achievements from the previous fiscal year were also highlighted, demonstrating progress in public health outcomes:
– Continued improvement in treatment success rates for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
– An increase in adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) viral suppression rates, rising from 89.9% to 91.4%.
– An impressive immunization coverage of 93.3% for children under one year.
– A significant decline in malaria cases and associated fatalities, showcasing effective disease management in the province.
MEC Manzini reiterated the need to expand specialized health services, particularly in oncology and pediatrics, announcing plans for a new Burns Unit and enhancements to dialysis services. She also acknowledged the continuous demand for specialists and introduced initiatives focused on training and placing registrars in various hospitals throughout the province.
Financial governance remains a top priority for the department, with MEC Manzini reporting unqualified audit outcomes and pledging to tackle unauthorized and irregular expenditures, emphasizing transparency in financial management practices.
The presentation concluded with MEC Manzini’s robust commitment to advocating for universal health care as a basic human right. She called for collaboration among all stakeholders to enhance health outcomes for the residents of Mpumalanga.
The budget allocation detailed by MEC Manzini includes:
– R421,091,000 for Administration
– R11,779,259,000 for District Health Services
– R576,307,000 for Emergency Medical Services
– R2,000,242,000 for Provincial Hospital Services
– R2,204,272,000 for Central Hospital Services
– R587,239,000 for Health Sciences and Training
– R407,028,000 for Health Care Support Services
– R1,775,536,000 for Health Facilities Management
Bosman Grobler, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Spokesperson on Health, responded critically to the MEC’s optimistic portrayal of the department’s state, stating, “Hon MEC, what you stated a few minutes ago in the tabling of your budget is really inspiring and gives a lot of hope. Unfortunately, the realities we see in the department do not always speak to the picture you painted. Before I go further, I would like to make it clear that the DA understands that the mandate of this department is probably the biggest of all departments in the province. Healthcare is not exclusive to age, race, gender, or nationality. The department of health needs to stand ready to literally serve anyone and everyone at any time.”
As the province progresses into the new fiscal year, the fight for equitable and accessible health care remains a core mission for the Mpumalanga Department of Health, with MEC Manziniasserting, “Health is dignity. Health is freedom.We will fight for universal health care until victory is won.”
