How government plans to make medical negligence cheaper

Medical negligence claims have skyrocketed, making the health department responsible for R120-billion in payouts.
Government is trying to reduce its liability by introducing the structured settlements through the State Liability Amendment Bill.
For compensation exceeding R1-million, payments will be split in three: a large sum paid immediately, smaller periodic payments and instead of cash for medical treatment, free treatment at a public health facility.

Yolanda Mdzeke was a junior multimedia reporter and multimedia reporter at Bhekisisa between March 2021 and June 2025.

Christina Pitt was a health journalist at Bhekisisa from October 2022 to October 2024.