President Recommits to Universal Health Coverage and Education Reform

“We are unwavering in our commitment to implement universal health coverage in a manner that brings all South Africans on board,” President Ramaphosa said.

Equal access to affordable quality health care through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) is a key priority for the seventh administration, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"We are unwavering in our commitment to implement universal health coverage in a manner that brings all South Africans on board," President Ramaphosa said.

The President was responding to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address on Monday. He emphasized that the government will continue dialogues, exchanges, and interactions to ensure the NHI becomes a vital program for the people.

President Ramaphosa also highlighted the country's report to the United Nations, noting reductions in maternal, infant, and neonatal mortality, and improvements in the overall health and longevity of South Africans.

Education

On inclusive and equitable quality education, President Ramaphosa said the country has made significant progress in functional literacy and numeracy at the primary school level and in primary school completion rates.

"Today, more South African children have access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Grade R, and secondary school education outcomes continue to steadily improve.

"The child support grant, no-fee schools, and expanded NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding have had a considerable impact on the lives of learners, particularly those from poor families," he said.

These social protection interventions, alongside programs such as the Schools Nutrition and Sanitary Dignity Programmes aimed at female learners, are helping to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

"They are enabling more children to complete their schooling and to access opportunities after they finish school. One need only look at last year's matriculation exam results, where learners who were social grant beneficiaries achieved an 81 percent pass rate," President Ramaphosa noted.

While access to education expands the capabilities of young people, the President noted that it also improves the productive capacity of the economy.

"Our young people are competing with the world. This is a new world, one that is rapidly changing and being influenced by technological advances. A better educated, better skilled workforce makes our economy more competitive and catalyses growth."

Greater Investment in Skills

President Ramaphosa also commended the call for greater investment in skilling young people for the economy of the future and ensuring they are familiar with emerging technologies.

"Science and technology is going to continue playing an important role in enabling our young people to play a key role in our economy," President Ramaphosa said.

With these initiatives, the seventh administration aims to foster inclusive growth and development, ensuring a brighter future for all South Africans.