Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a delegation from a number of US Congressional committees, headed by Senator Joni Ernst, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emmigration and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Ahmed Fahmy, said the US delegation was keen during the meeting to emphasize the importance that various US institutions and departments accord to the relations and strategic partnership between Egypt and the US, which represent the cornerstone of regional stability, noting the steadfast Egyptian role in maintaining security and supporting peace efforts in the region. This is in addition to Egypt’s key role since the outbreak of the crisis in Gaza, whether in terms of joint efforts to calm the situation, or the leading role in providing, coordinating and delivering humanitarian aid, explaining that their current visit to the region comes within the framework of supporting the path to reach an agreement to exchange hostages and captives, cease fire and achieve de-escalation in the region.

President El-Sisi stressed the gravity of the escalation and tension in the region due to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and affirmed Egypt’s keenness to continue its efforts, in coordination with partners, to put an end to this war that has caused a humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip. The President warned in this regard of the extreme danger of the current Israeli escalation in the West Bank, which greatly increases the risks of complicating the regional situation. He stressed the need for concerted efforts of the international community to stop escalation in the Palestinian territories, and to work to implement what has been agreed upon internationally and enjoys full legitimacy regarding the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This shall bring about a new reality in the region in which peace, justice and security prevail in a sustainable manner, instead of the current situation that portends violence and destruction and jeopardizes peoples’ resources.

The meeting also touched on the situation in Sudan. The President affirmed Egypt’s continuation of its intensive efforts to cease fire, restore security and stability, preserve the capabilities of the Sudanese people, and support all paths that lead to reaching a political solution that ends the crisis in Sudan and preserves the capabilities of its people.

Discussions also addressed the various crises in the region. President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s firm position in supporting the nation-state, respecting the sovereignty of countries and their territorial integrity, and maintaining the cohesion of their national institutions, in a way that enables them to play their role and fill the vacuum that causes the spread of terrorism. The delegation members affirmed their great appreciation for the Egyptian positions, stressing the continuation of consultation and joint action between the two countries to achieve the goals of peace, stability, and development in the Middle East.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Portfolio Committee on Health met to discuss the findings of the Competition Commission’s Health Market Inquiry (HMI) Report, which investigates the state of competition in the South African healthcare sector.

The HMI was initiated in 2013 to assess features that may impede affordable healthcare access and its final report was published in September 2019.

Responding to the commission’s presentation, the committee focused on various concerns with the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the implications for the healthcare system, particularly in light of the HMI’s recommendations.

Committee members asked about the origins of current challenges in the healthcare sector, emphasising that many issues stem from historical changes to medical schemes made before the current administration. During the engagement, it was noted that the previous regulatory environment, which guaranteed payment to providers and uniformity in care, has eroded, leading to confusion and instability. Members made a strong call for a return to foundational principles, including statutory tariffs and guaranteed benefits for medical scheme members, to restore order and fairness in the healthcare system.

The economic implications of the NHI were also highlighted. The committee expressed its concern that the transition could exacerbate existing issues within the healthcare sector. Committee members also called for a thorough investigation into potential collusion among major market players and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the NHI implementation does not lead to further monopolisation of healthcare services.

The committee’s discussion also focused on potential challenges in implementing the NHI within the current fragmented healthcare environment. Concerns were expressed that without a coherent regulatory framework, the goals of the NHI may be undermined. Members raised questions about how the government plans to engage with existing healthcare providers and stakeholders to incorporate their perspectives into the NHI rollout.

The need for collaboration between the ministries of Health and of Trade and Industry was another issue mentioned as crucial for creating a unified approach to healthcare reform. The committee indicated that such collaboration is essential for addressing both health outcomes and economic impacts, allowing for the development of policies that promote innovation and competition in the healthcare sector.

The role of the private sector within the NHI framework was also discussed, focusing on balancing contributions from private healthcare providers while maintaining a robust public healthcare system. The committee emphasised the necessity of feedback from both the public and private health sectors to create a fair and efficient healthcare system.

Making his contribution on the report, committee Chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, expressed deep concern regarding maternal healthcare outcomes in South Africa, particularly the stark differences in delivery methods between public and private hospitals. He noted that in public hospitals, approximately one million babies are delivered annually, with only three out of 10 mothers opting for caesarean sections. In contrast, in private hospitals seven out of 10 women delivering via caesarean, raising issues about the motivations behind these choices. Dr Dhlomo emphasised the importance of natural deliveries, highlighting that women are capable of delivering safely without unnecessary surgical interventions.

He criticised the practice of prolonging hospital stays for women who have undergone caesarean sections, pointing out that many are required to remain in the hospital for several days post-delivery, which incurs additional costs and may not be medically justified. He argued that the standard of care should allow for early discharge, particularly for women who meet health criteria within six hours after delivery. Dr Dhlomo called for a revaluation of these practices, advocating for a healthcare system that prioritises the well-being and autonomy of mothers, rather than financial gain.

He urged the Department of Health to respond proactively to these concerns, emphasising the need for systemic changes that support equitable and high-quality maternal care across both public and private sectors.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Dhlomo asked the Department of Health to take note of all the questions and concerns raised during the discussions. He said the department would be given the opportunity to respond in detail when the committee convenes for its next meeting. “This approach ensures that the Department of Health can provide comprehensive answers and engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the issues surrounding the National Health Insurance and the findings of the Health Market Inquiry Report,” said Dr Dhlomo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

The Portfolio Committee on Women Youth and Persons With Disabilities received a briefing today from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on its annual performance plan (APP) and budget for the 2024/25 financial year.

The committee heard that for the 2024/25 financial year, the budget allocation for the Department for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is R791.3 million. The budget includes a significant portion earmarked for youth development programmes, although it reflects a decrease from the previous year’s budget. The APP outlines specific targets, including support of youth-owned enterprises, job creation and the facilitation of skills development programmes.

The committee praised the comprehensive presentation provided by the NYDA and commended their ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing South Africa’s young people.

Throughout the discussions during the meeting, several important themes emerged. Firstly, there was consensus among committee members about the urgent need to address the high levels of youth unemployment. Many members highlighted the importance of aligning education systems with the demands of the job market. The committee believes entrepreneurial skills should be integrated into the school curriculum to better prepare young people for future employment opportunities.

The committee had concerns about the accessibility of NYDA services, particularly in rural areas. Committee members said it is crucial for the agency to enhance outreach efforts to ensure that young people, especially those from marginalised communities, have access to vital information and resources that the NYDA has to offer. Members suggested exploring partnerships with local organisations and using mobile units to reach young people who may face transportation barriers.

Regarding the NYDA’s budget, members of the committee noted discrepancies between the agency’s reported allocations and the figures obtained from the National Treasury. This discrepancy warrants closer scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of resources. Furthermore, the committee recognised the significant reduction in funding for various programmes and indicated that it is eager to understand how the NYDA plans to sustain its initiatives under these financial constraints.

The committee noted in the presentation that the upcoming financial year marks the last for additional funding of R250 million for the National Youth Service programme, which raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such initiatives.

The committee also inquired about the effectiveness of the NYDA’s programmes, specifically regarding the distinction between job opportunities created and actual long-term employment. The committee indicated that it is keen to understand the sectors that have benefited most from these opportunities and the sustainability of the jobs created.

Additionally, the issue of inclusivity for persons with disabilities within the NYDA’s programmes was highlighted. While the NYDA has made strides in developing a disability strategy, the committee encourages further efforts to ensure that programmes cater to the diverse needs of all young people, including those with disabilities.

Finally, the committee expressed a desire for more detailed reporting on the performance of board members and the mechanisms in place for evaluating their contributions. It is essential that we hold ourselves accountable and ensure that our leadership remains effective in driving the NYDA’s mission forward.

The committee’s Chairperson, Ms Lindelwa Dunjwa, said: “The committee is committed to supporting the NYDA in its mandate to empower young people across South Africa. We look forward to continued engagements that will enhance our collective efforts to address youth unemployment and promote socio-economic development,” she said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.