Lives at Risk: Court Orders Gauteng Health to Treat Cancer Patients Now

In a major victory for civil society and cancer patients, the Johannesburg High Court has ordered the Gauteng Department of Health to immediately provide radiation treatment, despite the department’s pending appeal. Advocacy groups Section27 and the Cancer Alliance brought an urgent application, arguing that delays have already led to deaths and worsening illness for many patients. The judge agreed, saying the backlog violates patients' constitutional rights and causes "irreversible and permanent harm." Some patients had died waiting, while others became too sick to qualify for treatment. The department had earlier appealed a March ruling that found their failure to address the crisis was unconstitutional, but the latest ruling makes that order immediately enforceable. The court has now demanded treatment be given urgently, with updates provided every 45 days. Phemelo speaks to Salome Meyer Director at Cancer Alliance about what this ruling means for patients and what needs to happen next.