Theresa Brummer is one of the between 1 500 and 1 800 unemployed post-community service doctors who finished their studies last year, but cant find a job in the public health sector.
But Wednesdays budget speech makes provision for only 800 unemployed doctors like Theresa to be appointed.
This is despite vacancy rates of between 5 and 22 in government clinics and hospitals.
Overall, health spending will grow from R277-billion in 2024/25 to R329-billion in 2027/28.
In todays newsletter , Mia Malan explains why todays budget needs to provide for the salaries of South Africas unemployed doctors. Sign up for our newsletter today.
When Theresa Brummer finished up her medical degree at Stellenbosch University, she had a clear vision for her future: to work in the public healthcare system in the Eastern Cape, where she was raised.
Brummer spent a year at Madzikane Ka Zulu Memorial Hospital in Mount Frere doing her government-required community service in a public hospital in addition to two years of medical internship at state health facilities before she was able to practise medicine in South Africa.
But today, instead of healing patients, Brummer sits at home in Gqeberha scanning job listings.
She is just one of between 1 500 and 1 800 unemployed post-community service doctors, who cant find public sector jobs.