Legal disputes over the NHI Act should be settled out of Court, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana told Parliament. Stakeholders should negotiate a resolution to reduce uncertainty and keep the reform on track, he said. – EWN (15 Jan 2026)
His comments came as medical associations pursue at least five separate legal cases challenging the NHI framework and implementation. Godongwana said that while these groups claim to support universal health coverage, their Court actions are slowing progress on reform.
“Godongwana suggested that rather than engaging in prolonged legal battles, medical associations and the Government should sit down and craft a settlement that addresses the associations’ concerns while preserving the broader goals of the NHI. His position reflects growing frustration within government that court proceedings could stall or undermine efforts to expand affordable care for all South Africans.”