The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has officially relaunched its Tuberculosis (TB) Caucus in a renewed push to end the disease by 2030.

The relaunch took place on Tuesday at the Legislature Chambers in Mbombela and brought together government leaders, healthcare organisations, civil society groups and private sector representatives committed to fighting TB in the province.

Speaker of the Legislature, Makhosazane Masilela, said TB remains one of the world’s biggest health threats and called for stronger advocacy and accountability to ensure government commitments are fulfilled.

She said Members of the Legislature have an important responsibility to help accelerate efforts to end TB through targeted provincial interventions.

Acting Premier and Health MEC, Sasekani Manzini, praised the relaunch and said the province is making progress in reducing treatment default rates.

Manzini also commended healthcare workers and nurses for their role in saving lives and restoring hope in communities affected by TB.

Representatives from the South African National Aids Council, civil society and the private sector highlighted challenges linked to poverty, food insecurity and the vulnerability of workers in industries such as mining and agriculture.

Civil Society Forum chairperson, Sonto Nkosi, said stronger partnerships are needed to support vulnerable communities, including farm workers.

During the programme, stakeholders also backed and signed the Barcelona Declaration on TB, symbolising a united commitment to ending TB in Mpumalanga.

The gathering concluded with plans for future action programmes aimed at strengthening the province’s fight against the disease.