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.
President Ramaphosa said government will continue with dialogues, exchanges and interactions to make the NHI an important programme for the people.
The President also highlighted the country’s report to the United Nations, which noted reductions in maternal, infant and neonatal mortality, and that South Africans are living longer and have better health outcomes.
READ | Government pushes for affordable healthcare for all
The President delivered the Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday and the President’s speech was debated by political parties on Friday.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
Education
On inclusive and equitable quality education, President Ramaphosa said the country has made progress with respect to functional literacy and numeracy at 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 others, including 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 said.
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 for young people to be 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. – SAnews.gov.za
