New healthcare positions welcomed by role-players

THE announcement of 270 new posts to be advertised by KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has been welcomed by the South African Medical Association (SAMA), Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA), and the DA in KwaZulu-Natal.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

Following an executive council meeting last week, Simelane announced that 150 doctor positions (100 medical officers and 50 medical specialists) and 120 nursing positions (40 specialised nurses and 80 entry-level nurses) would be created.

Simelane said this was to strengthen the public health system and provide essential human capital where it was needed. The new posts were expected to be advertised this week.

SAMA chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa said the announcement was a direct and tangible outcome of their urgent interventions with the premier (Thamsanga Ntuli) in July 2025.

The development reflected the premier’s commitment to securing additional resources, engaging directly with the president (Cyril Ramaphosa), and reprioritising funds to absorb more healthcare professionals into the public system.

“While this is an important and positive step forward, we must emphasise that it is only a drop in the ocean when compared to the hundreds of doctors still unemployed in KZN and the thousands awaiting posts nationally. The crisis is far from resolved, and sustained action remains essential,” Mzukwa said.