Dr Motsoaledi Confirms Allocation of Over 8,400 Health Graduates for Internships

Minister Motsoaledi emphasized the urgency of resolving these placements, especially given the rising concerns around foodborne illnesses and public health crises impacting children.

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed the successful allocation of 8,403 medical graduates for internships and community service positions in the 2025 annual cycle, marking a major milestone in South Africa’s healthcare workforce development. The placements were achieved with minimal disruptions, ensuring that the majority of young health professionals are ready to begin their duties in January.

Placement Highlights

2,108 medical interns and 6,295 community service professionals have been allocated across various categories, including doctors, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, radiographers, dentists, and radiotherapists.

Approximately 6,740 applicants were placed in one of their five chosen institutions, while an additional 768 secured spots in their preferred provinces.7,701 applicants have accepted their placements, with 1,520 special consideration applicants successfully accommodated.

The system, praised for its transparency, allows applicants to appeal their placements. Currently, some appeals remain under review, but the department has assured ongoing efforts to resolve these cases.

Challenges in Placing Environmental Health Officers

The 73 environmental health officers remain unplaced due to jurisdictional constraints. The Department of Health is collaborating with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Border Management Authority (BMA), entities responsible for employing this group.

Minister Motsoaledi emphasized the urgency of resolving these placements, especially given the rising concerns around foodborne illnesses and public health crises impacting children.

Streamlining the Process: Stakeholder Collaboration

The 2025 allocation process was supported by a three-day workshop in July 2024, hosted by the National Department of Health in partnership with provincial health coordinators and professional unions.

Key outcomes included:

Revised Placement Guidelines: Improved transparency and user experience for applicants.

Regular Updates: Final-year students received consistent communication and support throughout the process.

Timely Placement Results: The results were released by the end of October, aligning with initial targets.

“This collaborative and transparent approach ensured that the department remained responsive to the needs of applicants while maintaining fairness,” the department stated.

Preparing for 2025 Duties

Provincial Departments of Health have initiated the process of issuing appointment letters to all placed graduates, providing clarity and security ahead of their January 1, 2025, start date. This milestone allows graduates to enjoy the festive season with their families, confident in their roles for the coming year.

Addressing Workforce Gaps and Future Plans

Dr. Motsoaledi highlighted the program as a testament to a “responsive and caring government”, addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges in South Africa’s healthcare system. The department also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging stakeholders and refining the placement process for future cycles.

With healthcare needs rising across the country, the successful placement of these professionals marks a pivotal step toward strengthening the nation’s health infrastructure. The focus remains on expanding opportunities, particularly for unplaced categories, to ensure every health professional contributes meaningfully to South Africa’s well-being. 4