The South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) has welcomed the appointment of Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as the minister of health.
President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled his cabinet, which included Motsoaledi, during an address to the nation on Sunday evening.
Samatu said Motsoaledi is the best person to lead the country towards a more equitable healthcare system because of his commitment and wealth of experience in the field.
In the Department of Home Affairs, Motsoaledi took over the position from Dr Joe Phaahla, who is now his deputy.
Deep understanding of healthcare landscape
“Minister Motsoaledi has an impressive history of taking on major health issues and enacting important changes to enhance the health of all South Africans,” said Dr Cedric Sihlangu, the general secretary of Samatu.
Sihlangu was confident that Motsoaledi’s deep understanding of the South African healthcare landscape will prove invaluable as the country embarks on the rollout of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
The NHI aims to provide universal health coverage and ensure that all South Africans, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to quality health services.
Motsoaledi served in the department’s similar capacity from 2009 to 2019 and has a good reputation in the health sector.
According to Sihlangu, the trade union believes that Motsoaledi has the knowledge, vision, and dedication needed to carry out the NHI successfully.
Samatu pledges support
“His reappointment comes at a crucial time when the NHI’s foundational structures are being established, and his leadership will be instrumental in ascertaining that this transformative healthcare reform is realised seamlessly and effectively,” he said.
“We pledge our full support to Minister Motsoaledi and look forward to working collaboratively with his office.
“We are committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of all South Africans, addressing the inequalities in healthcare access, and building a robust healthcare system that serves everyone proficiently.”
