Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) as part of our whole-of-society approach, has today together with the Freedom Front Plus accepted a petition and draft Bill from the Trade Union, Solidariteit, dealing with the National Health Insurance Act (NHI).
In terms of Rule 347 of the National Assembly (NA) Rules, petitions to the NA should be sponsored by a Member and both parties will cooperate in this regard with Solidariteit in its opposition to the NHI.
The DA has on various occasions before and after the 2024 General Elections campaigned against the NHI, stating that it will destroy any form of quality healthcare in South Africa. We have also advocated for alternatives that will see the retention of private health care, whilst ensuring quality universal healthcare for all. We continue this fight and welcome all opposition and partners who stand with us in solidarity.
We therefore welcome Solidariteit’s opposition to the NHI in its current form and its participation in the democratic process. The DA will ensure that this petition is dealt with by Parliament in the correct way.
Regards
George Michalakis MP
DA Chief Whip in Parliament

Daisy Stick
Could you perhaps tell me which political party is the ruling party in South Africa?
Easy Mac
Fun South African Fact: South African Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first heart transplant on 3 December 1967 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. The groundbreaking surgery was carried out on Louis Washkansky and Dr. Barnard was assisted by a large and exceptional team of surgeons, nurses and technicians. One of Dr. Barnard’s assistants was Hamilton Naki, a black laboratory assistant who had worked previously as a gardener and went on to work in the animal laboratory at the University of Cape Town. He had assisted Dr Barnard with research leading to the transplant. In the apartheid days, Naki had no access to higher education due to his race. Despite being unable to access formal training, he learned from and assisted university researchers and went on to do amazing work.