According to Dr Percy Mahlathi, a Deputy Director-General in the National Department of Health, an estimated 1,300 post-community service doctors, including those trained in South Africa, Russia, and China, are unable to find employment in the public sector, reported Daily Maverick (27 June 2025).
In the Free State alone, more than 20 doctors trained in Cuba have been jobless for months.
“The Free State cited a clause releasing them from their employment obligation if a post is not offered within three months of a graduate completing community service - a clause graduates claim was not in their original contracts.”
The investment in each graduate is between R1.1m and R1.75m.
Dr Percy Mahlathi, a Deputy Director-General in the National Department of Health, confirmed that the problem is nationwide, affecting an estimated 1,300 post-community service doctors. He blames National Treasury’s lack of sufficient funding as the root cause.
“All eyes are now on the National Budget, tabled on 21 May, with hopes that finalised allocations will provide the funds needed to absorb these doctors into the system.”