Malaria vector control is primarily insecticide based and relies on indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bednets (LLINs). These interventions have generally proved effective where appropriately implemented. However, the increasing incidence of insecticide resistance in target vector populations can, and in several cases already has, undermined the effectiveness of IRS and LLINs. Today there are very few localities on the African continent where populations of vector mosquitoes are still susceptible to the approved classes of insecticides. If elimination is to be achieved, SA needs to invest more resources into malaria control.