On 24 March 2026, South Africa marked World TB Day 2026 with a commanding national commemoration held at the Caledon Sports Grounds in the Overberg District, Western Cape. The event, led by Paul Mashatile in his capacity as Chairperson of the SANAC, brought together government leaders, civil society, development partners, and communities in a united call to end tuberculosis (TB).
Observed annually on 24 March, World TB Day raises awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic impact of TB. Despite significant progress, South Africa remains among the countries most affected by the disease, with TB continuing to be the leading cause of death, particularly among people living with HIV.
The 2026 commemoration was held under the national theme “Yes! You and I Can End TB,” an adaptation of the global call that places responsibility on every individual and sector of society. The theme underscores the importance of collective action, leadership, and personal responsibility in driving South Africa’s TB response forward. Deputy President Mashatile was joined by key stakeholders including
SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Solly Nduku, Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Western Cape MEC for Health & Wellness, Ms. Mireille Wenger, and SANAC CEO Thembisile Xulu, among others. Representatives from the United Nations, research institutions, civil society movements, and the private sector also participated, reflecting the whole-of-society approach required to combat TB.
The commemoration extended beyond a ceremonial gathering, serving as a structured, community-centred outreach event. The Caledon Sports Grounds hosted a variety of health and other government services,
including mobile health units providing on-site TB and HIV screening and testing.
Earlier in the day, Deputy President Mashatile and his delegation visited the Caledon Clinic to assess local TB services and engage with healthcare workers, reinforcing government’s commitment to strengthening frontline
healthcare delivery. In his keynote address, Deputy President Mashatile acknowledged the progress made in South Africa’s TB response, including a significant reduction in TB incidence since 2015 and improved treatment outcomes for drug-resistant TB. He highlighted that over 3.5 million tests have been conducted under the End TB Campaign—an important milestone in the country’s effort to find and treat missing TB cases.
However, Deputy President also cautioned that challenges remain. TB deaths have only declined by 17% since 2015, falling short of the 75% reduction target. Additionally, many people affected by TB continue to
face severe socio-economic barriers, underscoring the need for a more patient-centred and inclusive approach. “We must find TB to end TB,” Mashatile emphasised, calling for early detection, improved access to care, and strengthened community support systems.
The programme featured a range of speakers who reinforced the urgency of the TB response. A moving testimony from TB survivor and ambassador Sarah Bakamela highlighted the human impact of the disease and the importance of treatment adherence and community support.
Civil society remains a critical pillar in South Africa’s TB response. In a statement of support, SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Solly Nduku reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to community mobilisation, education, and advocacy.
Civil society called on all South Africans to:
- Get tested for TB and know their HIV status
- Complete treatment if diagnosed
- Support affected individuals and families
- Promote awareness and reduce stigma
The forum also welcomed key interventions such as the national TB dashboard and the establishment of parliamentary TB caucuses, which strengthen accountability and political oversight.
The 2026 World TB Day commemoration reinforced the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs (2023–2028), with a strong focus on scaling up the End TB Campaign. This initiative aims to test 5 million people annually through expanded screening, integrated healthcare services, and strengthened partnerships.
Innovations such as near point-of-care diagnostic testing, set to roll out in pilot form later this year, are expected to bring services closer to communities, improving access and accelerating diagnosis.
As the event concluded, the Deputy President called for renewed commitment, urging South Africans “to get tested, to seek treatment promptly, to complete treatment if infected, and to support one another.”