Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s court application on 14 August to consolidate the nine High Court cases challenging the NHI Act into one and suspend proceedings until the Constitutional Court has made its ruling, was met with fierce opposition. – Sunday Times (17 August 2025)
“As part of its proposal, the Minister has undertaken not to promulgate the final regulations that would declare the NHI fully implemented while the stay is in effect.”
Meanwhile, the objectors stated that they would only consider a stay if Government agrees to halt the implementation of the NHI Act in its entirety.
Opponents have slammed the Minister’s move as a deliberate attempt to stall litigation while pushing ahead with implementation calling it a "Pragmatic Solution" or a “Delaying Tactic”.
HASA, which represents the bulk of the country’s private hospitals, stated that there can be no “stays” while the executive pushes on with implementation. CEO Dumisani Bomela warned that Government is proceeding with legislation “without knowing how much it will cost”.
SAPPF CEO Simon Strachan said the Act is having a “profound and detrimental impact” on healthcare professionals, noting the growing “brain drain” of doctors, with the NHI cited as a major factor for emigration.
Solidarity pointed out that money is already being spent on NHI structures while public facilities remain in a dire state.
HFA (Health Funders Association) warned that the Minister’s move could stall justice for years, “allowing the NHI to be implemented before the courts have ruled on its constitutionality”.