Deputy President Mashatile on South Africa’s TB Progress at World TB Day 2026

Deputy President Paul Mashatile addressed a World TB Day event on March 24, 2026, at Caledon Sports Grounds in the Western Cape. He highlighted South Africa’s progress in fighting tuberculosis (TB). This affects all South Africans, especially people living with HIV and men. Steady declines in new TB cases and better treatment results show gains. Yet gaps in detection and deaths remain a concern. These updates matter now as the country pushes its End TB Campaign.

Mashatile shared confirmed facts from the government’s TB program. He spoke at the event covered by SAnews.gov.za.

Key achievements include:

• A 61% reduction in the TB incidence rate by 2024.
• 79% treatment success rate for drug-resistant TB.
• Single-digit lost-to-follow-up rates for drug-resistant TB, thanks to shorter regimens.
• 70% of the testing target met, with over 3.5 million tests in the past year—the highest ever.

TB remains a major issue in South Africa. It is the leading cause of death for people living with HIV. Mashatile noted only a 17% drop in overall TB deaths since 2015, short of the 75% goal. The 2021 TB Survey found 56% of affected people face huge socio-economic costs that drive families into poverty. The End TB Campaign started last year’s World TB Day in KwaZulu-Natal.

TB deaths: 17% reduction since 2015 vs. 75% target

These points come from Mashatile’s speech, as reported by SAnews.gov.za.

The data points to clear implications. The share of estimated TB cases on treatment fell from 79% to 74% last year. Mashatile called this “not a statistic to ignore; it is a call to action!” Early detection can break the infection cycle and ease socio-economic strain. Men show higher positivity rates even with fewer tests.

Key action steps:

• Double efforts to treat more cases.
• Test more men to find hidden cases.
• Build patient-centered care and remove access barriers.
• Focus on early testing to protect communities.

Near-term plans build on this momentum. The government scales up shorter, effective regimens. The End TB Campaign keeps strong pace. Mashatile urged men to get tested, as data shows many missing cases among them. He said, “Testing more men will help us find those hidden cases.”

People close to TB patients should visit a health facility right away. Get tested. Start treatment if positive and complete it. If negative, ask about TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) to stay safe.

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