South Africa has announced plans to implement National Health Insurance. Acknowledging the great disparity in quality of service between private and public services, the Minister of Health stated 80% of the people cannot afford private insurance.

The plan at present calls for the first ten areas to be up and running by April 2012, with full implementation in 2014. The government will issue a green paper this Friday providing further details. It will then go back to Parliament for further discussion before becoming law.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi went on to say, “If you make more than a certain amount, you will be required to contribute to the NHI fund. It will not be possible to opt out of the responsibility.”. Some people are already questioning having to pay for a system they won’t be using.

This initiative by the South African government is a step towards addressing the country’s gaping social divide. Currently, they regarded as having one of the most unequal systems in the world. In the words of Mr. Motsoaledi, “The central challenge to the stability and well-being of our nation is reducing the deep inequality between rich and poor, between privilege and deprivation. This goes to the heart of South Africa’s future,”

Massive internal struggle combined with pressure from the global community ended apartheid. This was a massive accomplishment that started South Africa on the road to social justice and equality. The National Health Insurance plan is a significant step on that road. Perhaps the most significant thing about it is this. The African National Congress, the current ruling party, isn’t doing this because of massive riots. They aren’t doing because of international sanctions or intervention. The government is instituting universal health care because it’s the right thing to do.

I’m not saying that that South Africa is a social justice role model for the world. Far from it. What I am saying is, they’ve taken a step. That is something to celebrate. For that step, I honor them.

Cheers, Winston