Health experts, government officials and business leaders in South Africa are calling for a stronger emphasis on disease prevention, evidence-based harm reduction and community healthcare as the country confronts growing pressure on its public health system and wider economy.

The call followed a health and wellness colloquium organised by the Progressive Business Forum (PBF) in Johannesburg on October 29, 2026. Participants examined how preventive healthcare, community-based interventions and partnerships between government and the private sector could improve public health outcomes while supporting economic development.

Held under the theme, “Investing in Health and Wellness: Advancing Economic Prosperity, Prevention and Sustainable Development”, the meeting brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals and business representatives to discuss practical responses to the country’s health challenges.

A major issue raised during the discussions was the need to move beyond a healthcare model that concentrates heavily on treating illnesses after they occur. Participants argued that greater attention should be given to preventing diseases, reducing avoidable health risks and addressing the social and economic conditions that contribute to poor health.

The discussions also highlighted the relationship between public health, productivity and national prosperity, with speakers stressing that healthier communities are better positioned to participate in economic activities.

South Africa’s Healthcare System Faces Growing Pressure

Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko highlighted the pressure facing public healthcare facilities, pointing to the large number of patients who depend on hospitals, clinics and other government health services.

She called for stronger primary healthcare and community outreach programmes to improve access to medical assistance and reduce unnecessary pressure on hospitals.

Primary healthcare is particularly important because it provides an opportunity to identify health problems early, offer preventive services and support patients before their conditions become more complicated.

Strengthening community-based services could also help healthcare professionals reach vulnerable populations who may struggle to access hospitals or specialised treatment facilities.

The discussion reflected wider concerns about the sustainability of South Africa’s public healthcare system, particularly as facilities continue to manage substantial patient demand and resource constraints.

Gwen Ramokgopa Calls for Greater Private-Sector Participation

ANC Treasurer-General and Progressive Business Forum Chairperson Dr Gwen Ramokgopa emphasised the importance of investment by businesses and industries in health and wellness programmes.

She argued that improving public health should not be regarded as the responsibility of government alone. Businesses, community organisations and other stakeholders also have important roles to play in developing interventions that reduce health risks and improve living conditions.

Ramokgopa welcomed the willingness of some industries to participate in addressing public health challenges, particularly through initiatives designed to reduce harm.

Her remarks highlighted the potential benefits of stronger cooperation between government, private companies and local communities.

Such partnerships could support employee wellness programmes, preventive healthcare campaigns and community initiatives aimed at improving access to essential services.

Parks Tau Links Substance Dependence to Poverty and Inequality

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau drew attention to the relationship between substance dependence, poverty, inequality and economic participation.

He observed that the effects of substance use are not distributed equally across society, noting that people in poorer communities may be disproportionately exposed to particularly harmful substances and their associated social and economic consequences.

Tau called for targeted programmes that address substance dependence and help individuals participate more fully in economic activities.

“We have to and are working on programmes that reduce dependence on these substances as a means to ensure greater economic activity,” he said.

The minister also questioned the effectiveness of relying exclusively on enforcement to address substance dependence. He argued that public policy should be informed by scientific evidence and a better understanding of the circumstances affecting individuals.

“ For as long as we think we’re going to force you, that you will stop because we forced you, science suggests that it does not work that way,” he said.

His comments reinforced the argument that substance-related challenges require more than punitive measures. Prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social support may all be necessary components of an effective response.

Health Experts Explain the Importance of Harm Reduction

Health policy expert and clinician Dr Confidence Moloko argued that harm reduction should receive greater attention in South Africa’s public health policies.

Harm reduction refers to policies and interventions designed to minimise the negative health and social consequences associated with certain behaviours, including substance use. Rather than making complete abstinence the only condition for receiving assistance, the approach seeks to reduce immediate risks and improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Moloko referred to international organisations, including the World Health Organization, UNAIDS and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which recognise harm reduction as an important element of public health responses to substance-related challenges.

He questioned whether the principles were being applied consistently across different countries and policy areas, particularly in discussions about tobacco dependence.

“Now, we cannot have a good approach being reserved for developed countries and not being used in the developing countries,” he said.

His remarks formed part of a wider debate about how governments should distinguish between different levels of health risk when developing regulations for substances and related products.

The issue is particularly relevant in South Africa, where the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is before Parliament. The proposed legislation has generated discussions about tobacco regulation, public health protection and the treatment of different categories of nicotine products.

Moloko referred to the country’s taxation framework as an example of how government policy already considers distinctions between products. He argued that the differences in taxation could provide an opportunity to examine how varying levels of harm are recognised in public policy.

However, debates over the relative risks of tobacco and nicotine products require careful consideration of independent scientific evidence. Harm reduction arguments should not be interpreted as evidence that tobacco or nicotine use is safe.

Monique Marks Advocates Prevention and Community-Based Healthcare

Professor Monique Marks highlighted the importance of addressing the social and economic circumstances that contribute to health problems, including substance dependence.

She argued that South Africa’s healthcare system places considerable emphasis on treating illnesses but needs to devote more attention to prevention, lifestyle management and long-term recovery.

Marks called for a more integrated approach that considers physical health, mental wellbeing and the social conditions affecting individuals.

She emphasised the importance of “reducing harm without moralising”, encouraging healthcare professionals to work with individuals to understand their challenges and identify practical ways to improve their circumstances.

Drawing on her experience with community-based harm reduction programmes, Marks explained that these interventions can improve quality of life and encourage people to seek medical assistance.

She also highlighted the potential economic benefits of early intervention and lifestyle management, arguing that preventive measures could reduce avoidable hospital admissions and some of the long-term costs associated with chronic illnesses.

The approach recognises that health problems are often connected to wider issues such as unemployment, poverty, social exclusion and limited access to support services.

Addressing these underlying factors could therefore strengthen the effectiveness of medical treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

Colloquium Proposes New Partnerships and Health Initiatives

Participants at the Johannesburg meeting discussed several proposals aimed at translating their recommendations into practical programmes.

One proposal involved establishing a multisectoral task team comprising representatives of government, businesses, academic institutions and the Progressive Business Forum.

The proposed group would help coordinate initiatives, encourage cooperation and identify opportunities for investment in preventive healthcare.

Participants also called for stronger public-private partnerships in employee wellness and community health programmes.

Another recommendation involved expanding research into the economic benefits of disease prevention and community-based interventions. Better evidence could help policymakers determine which programmes deliver measurable improvements in public health and provide value for money.

The discussions further emphasised the need to integrate mental health services and harm reduction principles into broader healthcare policies.

These proposals reflect growing recognition that healthcare challenges cannot be addressed effectively through isolated interventions. Government agencies, businesses, medical professionals and communities need to coordinate their efforts to improve prevention, treatment and long-term recovery.

Prevention and Health Investment as Drivers of Economic Development

The central message from the colloquium was that investment in public health should be viewed as an important part of economic development rather than simply a government expenditure.

Illness, untreated substance dependence and limited access to preventive services can affect productivity, household finances and participation in the labour market.

By contrast, stronger preventive healthcare, early intervention and community support can help individuals maintain better health and remain economically active.

South Africa’s challenge is to develop policies that combine effective regulation with accessible healthcare, scientific evidence and social support.

The discussions in Johannesburg highlighted the importance of recognising different health risks, improving primary healthcare services and addressing the social conditions that contribute to preventable illness.

As the country considers reforms to its healthcare and substance-control policies, experts at the colloquium argue that practical, evidence-based interventions should remain central to efforts to improve public health and strengthen economic prosperity.