In a decisive move to combat one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has officially re-launched its Tuberculosis (TB) Caucus, reaffirming the province’s commitment to ending TB by 2030.
The high-level event, held at the Legislature Chambers in Mbombela, was led by Speaker Ms Makhosazane Masilela and brought together a powerful coalition of government leaders, health advocates, the private sector, and civil society.
A Renewed Call to Action
In her opening address, Speaker Masilela did not mince words: TB remains a major global health threat. She underscored the TB Caucus as a critical vehicle for strengthening advocacy, accountability, and collaboration among public representatives.
“Members of the Legislature have a critical role to play in ensuring that government commitments towards ending TB are fulfilled,” Masilela said. “The Caucus seeks to accelerate progress towards ending the TB epidemic through targeted provincial interventions.”
Collaborative Force Against TB
The re-launch saw strong representation from key stakeholders, including Acting Premier and MEC for Health Ms Sasekani Manzini, the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), the Mpumalanga Provincial Aids Council (MPAC), the Civil Society Forum (CSF), and the Private Sector Forum (PSF).
Dr Nkhensani Nkhwashu, speaking on behalf of SANAC, praised TB Caucuses as indispensable platforms that enable public representatives to drive awareness, accountability, and oversight across all nine provinces.
Poverty, Food Insecurity, and Vulnerable Workers
Civil Society Forum Chairperson Ms Sonto Nkosi welcomed the re-launch but warned that poverty and food insecurity remain major barriers to effective TB treatment. She called for stronger collaboration to support vulnerable communities, including farming communities.
Meanwhile, the Private Sector Forum’s Deputy Chairperson Ms Judith Makhubu highlighted the disproportionate impact of TB on the mining and agriculture sectors. “Mobile and contract workers remain vulnerable to infections,” she noted, while acknowledging the valuable contribution of private healthcare practitioners in reducing TB cases and improving treatment outcomes.
A People-Centred Approach
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Ms Munene Mhlongo, stressed the need for a people-centred approach that leaves no one behind, particularly in addressing the intertwined epidemics of TB and HIV & AIDS. “The re-launch should serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to build healthier communities,” she said.
Government’s Commitment
Addressing attendees on behalf of the provincial government, Acting Premier and MEC for Health Ms Sasekani Manzini commended the Legislature for fostering collective action. She applauded the on-site TB screening initiative conducted outside the venue and acknowledged the province’s progress in reducing treatment default rates.
Manzini also paid tribute to nurses and healthcare workers for saving lives and restoring hope in communities, while reaffirming government’s pledge to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and intensify the fight against TB.
Barcelona Declaration Unites Stakeholders
In a symbolic high point of the event, Speaker Masilela read the Barcelona Declaration on TB, which received unanimous support from all attending stakeholders. The declaration was formally signed by the Speaker, the MEC for Health, the Chairperson of the Civil Society Forum, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Private Sector Forum — cementing a united, cross-sectoral commitment to ending TB in Mpumalanga.
The Way Forward
The gathering concluded with Speaker Masilela outlining the Caucus’s programme of action, signaling sustained legislative oversight and targeted interventions to combat TB across the province.
