MEDIA STATEMENT
Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, 8 January 2025 - Public Interest SA is deeply disheartened by the alarming crisis of unemployed junior doctors in South Africa. The revelation by the South African Medical Association (SAMA) that 1,800 doctors who have completed their community service now find themselves in limbo is both a national disgrace and an indictment of the inefficiencies within our healthcare system. This crisis is further underscored by the drastic decline in intern posts at Groote Schuur Hospital, which has plummeted from 120 in 2022 to a mere 34 in 2025. Such developments are symptomatic of a public healthcare system teetering on the brink of collapse.
SAMA’s disclosure of the Eastern Cape Department of Health’s inability to employ doctors who have completed their community service epitomises the systemic failures plaguing healthcare service delivery, particularly in provinces already grappling with chronic shortages of medical personnel. This has far-reaching consequences for both healthcare professionals and patients. The ripple effect of unemployed junior doctors exacerbates the strain on the existing workforce, leading to burnout, reduced morale, and compromised quality of care. Ultimately, it is the most vulnerable members of our communities who bear the brunt of these failures.
However, this crisis cannot be viewed in isolation. The pervasive scourge of corruption and the mounting financial pressure imposed by illegal migration from neighbouring countries are critical factors draining the resources of South Africa’s public healthcare system. Corruption—manifested in fraudulent procurement practices, mismanagement of funds, and maladministration—diverts critical resources away from essential services, leaving our hospitals underfunded, underequipped, and understaffed. The widespread looting of public funds has left a trail of broken infrastructure, abandoned healthcare projects, and deteriorating service delivery. A glaring example of this is the rampant looting at Thembisa Hospital, which led to the assassination of whistleblower Babita Deokaran—a tragic reminder of the price paid by those who stand against corruption.
In addition, the public healthcare system is buckling under the weight of providing healthcare to a growing population of undocumented migrants. While South Africa remains committed to upholding basic human rights, the unchecked influx of migrants places immense strain on resources that are already insufficient to meet the needs of South African citizens. This untenable situation is further compounded by the lack of a coherent policy framework to address these challenges effectively.
Public Interest SA fully supports SAMA’s call for government to urgently address the unemployment crisis among junior doctors. The organisation’s nationwide survey to gather data on the allocation and filling of vacancies in hospitals is a vital step toward understanding the extent of the crisis and identifying sustainable solutions. We echo SAMA’s demand for the immediate allocation of funding to create jobs for junior doctors and to strengthen the healthcare system. Without decisive action, South Africa’s healthcare system risks irreversible damage.
Public Interest SA also calls on government to:
Implement Transparent Healthcare Funding: Ensure that funds allocated to healthcare are used efficiently and transparently to combat corruption and improve service delivery.
Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Human Resource Development: Establish long-term strategies to retain medical professionals, address the shortage of posts, and ensure a functional healthcare workforce.
Address the Impact of Illegal Migration on Public Healthcare: Collaborate with neighbouring countries and international organisations to manage migration flows while ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all.
Hold Corrupt Officials Accountable: Prosecute those implicated in corruption and recover stolen funds to reinvest in the healthcare sector.
South Africa’s citizens deserve a healthcare system that upholds the principles of dignity, equality, and access to quality care. Public Interest SA urges the government to prioritise healthcare as a matter of national importance and to engage stakeholders, including civil society, in crafting solutions to address these interconnected crises.
The time for action is now. Failure to resolve these issues will not only undermine the health and wellbeing of our communities but will also erode public confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
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Issued by:
Tebogo Khaas
Chairman, Public Interest SA