Enhancing community health: MEC Simelane's festive season programme in KwaZulu-Natal

As South Africans prepare for the festive season, KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, is set to take steps towards enhancing community wellness across the province.

From December 23 to January 1, 2026, Simelane will spearhead a series of health engagements aimed at ensuring the readiness of the health system and promoting responsible health seeking behaviour during a time when health risks typically escalate.

According to the Department of Health, these initiatives are an integral part of the annual festive season programme that seeks to empower communities with critical health information.

Simelane emphasised the importance of vigilance during the holiday period, remarking, “These are the times when people let down their guards and embark on unprotected sex.

We say no to this, as there are several ways to stay healthy and avoid the risks of diseases.”

Moreover, the MEC urged communities to combat alcohol abuse during the festive season, highlighting its link to preventable injuries, violence, and undue pressure on health services.

Throughout the festive season, a diverse array of events will take place, during which Simelane will engage with communities directly, delivering vital health messages and services.

Among the key events is the Khumbule Ekhaya Christmas programme on December 23 at the KwaMnyayiza Sports Ground in Dumbe, Zululand District.

This programme blends festive celebrations with essential health services through the Isibhedlela Kubantu initiative, focusing on emergency medical services and ambulance readiness.

The following day, December 24, the MEC will conduct an oversight visit at the Wentworth EMS Base in the eThekwini District, assessing emergency preparedness and officially handing over new ambulances and patient transport vehicles.

On Christmas Day, December 25, Simelane will host the Christmas Babies Welcoming Ceremony at Ladysmith Hospital, Uthukela District.

This event will not only celebrate the birth of Christmas babies but also honour healthcare workers who remain dedicated on duty during the holidays.

As the year draws to a close, Simelane will lead an injectable PrEP awareness campaign on December 30 in Newcastle, Amajuba District.

This community roadshow aims to raise awareness about the upcoming injectable PrEP option, a crucial addition to HIV prevention strategies launching in February 2026.

The health initiatives will culminate on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, with a New Year’s babies welcoming ceremony at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in the eThekwini Municipality.

This celebratory event will acknowledge the first babies born in the new year while spotlighting the importance of maternal and newborn health services.

Through these proactive health engagements, MEC Simelane aims to ensure that communities not only enjoy the festive season responsibly but also connect with the essential health services that support their wellness.