Litigation initiated by various parties against the President and the Minister of Health has required that President Cyril Ramaphosa, after consultation with Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, agree to delay the promulgation of any sections of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act until the Constitutional Court delivers its judgment on the challenges, due to be heard on 5–7 May 2026.
These matters 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 such as improving health services is ongoing before any section of the NHI Act is ready to be launched. The President's word will have no impact on the timetable for implementation of the NHI.
The Health Department will continue its constitutional responsibility to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of care.
It is estimated that this agreement will be converted into a court order on 24 February 2026.
The Government is committed to National Health Insurance and will work within the requirements of the law and the judicial process to ensure that there are no undue delays.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.