National Health Insurance (NHI) Positioning

AfroCentric supports the principles of universal healthcare but believes greater consultation is required on the NHI Bill.

As a major industry stakeholder, we support the movement towards universal health coverage in South Africa through an integrated health system offering quality, affordable and accessible healthcare for all.

We recognise that South Africa’s healthcare system is currently unequal, with 86% of the population relying on an overburdened public system, while only 14% have access to private healthcare though this system also has limitations. Given this fragmentation, we must work together to enhance both affordability and quality for everyone.

However, since the NHI Bill was introduced in 2019, no significant changes have been made despite critical feedback from the medical profession, private healthcare industry, medical aid schemes and other stakeholders. This has led to potential legal challenges.

AfroCentric believes the NHI Bill, as signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 May 2024, does not align with the principles of the Constitution or address the healthcare industry’s concerns.

While NHI is an essential step towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), we believe it can only succeed with a collaborative, integrated approach. AfroCentric will continue to advocate for a fair, transparent and phased implementation of a healthcare system tailored to South Africa’s needs, partnering with organisations like the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) to support this transition.