MEMBER’S STATEMENT - TB CAUCUS CONVENER – GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE

MEMBER’S STATEMENT

Hon. Dr Bandile Masuku, MPL

TB Caucus Convener – Gauteng Provincial Legislature

Legislature Sitting: 3 March 2026

Honourable Speaker,

Honourable Members,

I rise today at the commencement of TB Awareness Month, observed throughout March; a period dedicated to mobilising society against one of South Africa’s most persistent, deadly, yet entirely preventable diseases.

The 2026 TB Awareness and World TB Day theme, observed on 24 March, is “Yes! We Can End TB-Led by Countries, Powered by People.” This theme serves as a bold call to action, reminding us that ending TB is not merely aspirational; it is achievable through political leadership, scientific innovation, and community‑driven action.

Honourable Speaker, tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge in Gauteng. Recent provincial data indicates that TB continues to disproportionately affect urban and vulnerable communities. During the 2025/26 financial year, Gauteng maintained high TB case‑finding rates of between 95% and 96% across the first three quarters, reflecting the impact of intensified community‑based screening and outreach programmes.

In a single quarter during this period, over 20,000 patients aged five years and older were initiated on TB treatment, alongside hundreds of children under five. Treatment outcomes have also shown improvement, with Gauteng achieving a 71% treatment success rate for drug‑resistant TB; a notable gain driven by enhanced retention in care and strengthened clinical support. However, TB‑related mortality remains a concern, with 1131 TB‑related deaths recorded in just two quarters. These deaths are largely attributable to late presentation at health facilities, underscoring the urgent need for early testing and adherence support.

As the TB Caucus Convener, I wish to commend the Gauteng Department of Health for these gains, which align with the National TB Recovery Plan 2025–2026 and the national End TB Campaign. These initiatives aim to test millions of people and close the gap of “missing TB patients”

Honourable Speaker, these achievements would not be possible without the tireless efforts of Community Health Workers, whom we proudly celebrate this year as they mark six years of permanent employment within the Gauteng Department of Health. Their role in household screening, treatment support, contact tracing, and health education embodies the very essence of this year’s TB theme– powered by people. Their permanent status strengthens continuity of care, builds trust in the health system, and enhances effectiveness of TB interventions at community level.

Furthermore, Honourable Speaker, we welcome the rollout of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long‑acting biomedical innovation that strengthens our disease‑prevention arsenal. Scientific advances of this nature, combined with strong community‑based systems, position Gauteng to accelerate progress in reducing TB and HIV transmission and improving adherence to care.

As we observe TB Awareness Month, let us recommit to: