Madam Speaker Premier of KwaZulu-Natal – Honourable Senzo Mchunu, Macingwane Chairperson and Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Portfolio Committee on Health Fellow Members of the Executive Council Honourable Members of the Legislature Mayors, Councillors and Amakhosi Chairperson and Members of the Provincial AIDS Council The Acting Head of the Department of Health – Dr Lindiwe Simelane Senior Managers in the Department of Health Health workers across the length and breadth of the Province Distinguished guests People of KwaZulu-Natal Members of the Media, Ladies and gentlemen Madam Speaker, as a Department that employs a little less than 80 000 civil servants, we deem it appropriate to pay tribute to our fallen accomplished and caring Minister of Public Service and Administration; Hon. Collins Chabane - May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Our 2015 Budget Presentation coincides with the celebration of 60 years of the Freedom Charter, whereby our forbearers articulated the following ambition for health care delivery in our country: “A preventative health scheme shall be run by the state; Free medical care and hospitalisation shall be provided for all, with special care for mothers and young children…” This pronouncement by our people in 1955 is in place. We just need to accelerate it. We need to strengthen it; National Health Insurance is our chosen vehicle to just do that. Madam Speaker, this presentation also coincides with the tabling of our country’s report that will be presented by our President, Hon Jacob Zuma, at the General World Assembly on progress made by South Africa in achieving the Millennium Developmental Goals. Today’s presentation is also in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and provides a summary of how the Department, through Operation Sukuma Sakhe and targeted health interventions, has made significant strides in improving the lives and wellbeing of our citizens.
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