MPs question Motsoaledi spending R9 million to hire 12 counsel to defend NHI
But Motsoaledi has defended the expenditure, saying litigation comes at a high cost and the department needs the expertise of senior counsel as it defends its flagship universal healthcare policy.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi during the SONA debate in Parliament on 12 February 2025. Picture: Phando Jikelo/Parliament of SA
JOHANNESBURG - Members of Parliament (MPs) have questioned Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi over the hiring of 12 counsel at a cost of R9 million to defend the National Health Insurance (NHI).
But Motsoaledi has defended the expenditure, saying litigation comes at a high cost and the department needs the expertise of senior counsel as it defends its flagship universal healthcare policy.
The minister was briefing the National Assembly as part of the social cluster in Parliament on Wednesday.
Motsoaledi said his department is facing several lawsuits challenging the NHI as well as the National Health Act.
He justified the expenditure, saying litigation in its nature is costly to defend.
Some of the organisations taking the department to court include the South African Medical Association (SAMA) and the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF).
"Those who have been involved in litigation will know how expensive senior counsel is. It's not us. So, it’s seven cases, seven junior counsel, and five senior counsel."
President Cyril Ramaphosa is also facing his own NHI-related legal challenge after the court ruled that his decision to sign the act was reviewable, ordering him to provide the record of his decision.
He is appealing the ruling.