Approximately 200 healthcare workers in South Africa are taking part in a peaceful march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The purpose of the march is to submit a memorandum addressing the ongoing challenges faced by these workers in finding employment within the public sector. Clad in their work scrubs, they carry banners and sing chants that highlight their frustrations and demands.
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One of the healthcare workers, Nwabisa Yokwe, a registered dietitian, has been searching for employment for the past nine years. Despite completing her community service in 2015, she has been unable to secure a position in the government sector.
Yokwe expresses the difficulties faced by dietitians, stating that there have only been two vacancies for dietitians in the entire country this year, both located in the Northern Cape.
Another recently qualified dietitian, Koketso Mokhondo, shares her concerns about the prolonged unemployment of her colleagues.
Mokhondo emphasises the importance of taking action early to prevent her own job-seeking journey from turning into years of unemployment. She mentions the challenges of adjusting to a lifestyle without a steady income, especially when there are financial responsibilities such as supporting a family.
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In response to these concerns, the Department of Health announced the allocation of an additional budget of R3.7bn for the recruitment of healthcare professionals, including nurses and medical doctors.
The department plans to outline the recruitment and appointment process, which will include recently graduated health professionals and unemployed medical doctors.
The march by these healthcare workers serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by many in the healthcare sector in South Africa. It highlights the urgent need for more employment opportunities and support for healthcare professionals in the public sector.
