John Steenhuisen Vows to Improve Working Conditions for Veterinarians Amid Shortage

Minister Steenhuisen highlighted the challenges veterinarians face, including insufficient resources, inadequate access to medicines, poor remuneration, and growing mental health concerns.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has committed to improving the working conditions of animal health practitioners in South Africa, as the country faces a critical shortage of professionals in this vital sector. The shortage has significant implications for animal health, biosecurity, and food security.

Minister Steenhuisen highlighted the challenges veterinarians face, including insufficient resources, inadequate access to medicines, poor remuneration, and growing mental health concerns. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues, given the essential role veterinarians play in protecting the agricultural sector.

"Veterinarians are a cornerstone of South Africa's agricultural success, and without addressing the systemic issues they face, we risk jeopardizing not only their well-being but the nation’s food security," said Steenhuisen.

The Minister emphasized that South Africa must become a place where animal health practitioners feel valued and can thrive professionally. Currently, the country has 4,000 registered veterinarians, a figure well below the international benchmark of 200 to 400 veterinarians per million people. At least 100 veterinarians emigrate annually in search of better opportunities abroad.

To address these challenges, Steenhuisen plans to meet with nine provincial agriculture MECs, senior officials from his department, the South African Veterinary Association, and key industry experts. These discussions aim to provide comprehensive input and avert a potential crisis in the profession and the broader agricultural sector.