DESPITE being a fully qualified doctor, Nazo Nothando Nxumalo from KwaMsane in Mtubatuba has spent four years unemployed.

On 17 June, she will join scores of other doctors in similar positions to march to the KZN Department of Health offices in Pietermaritzburg.

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Organised by the South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu), the march will urge the department to fill vacant medical posts with qualified doctors.

Their memorandum of demands contains one key message: Hire all unemployed doctors.

Dr Nxumalo said her prolonged unemployment has been frustrating, particularly as public healthcare facilities continue to face staff shortages.

After completing a two-year internship at Ngwelezana Hospital and one-year community service at eNseleni Community Health Centre, she had hoped to continue serving communities in need.

“I have always wanted to serve my community. We know we are essential service providers, yet many of us remain unemployed while our colleagues in the system are overwhelmed and overworked,” said Nxumalo.

“Some vacant posts have been frozen, and all we are told is there are no funds to hire us. If the government employed all qualified unemployed doctors, it could ease the burden on healthcare workers and reduce waiting times for patients at public health facilities.”

Nxumalo also highlighted the financial strain faced by unemployed doctors, particularly the requirement to maintain registration with their professional body.

“As if being unemployed is not enough, we are still required to pay about R5 000 in annual registration fees to remain in good standing with the professional board. I believe these fees should be deferred or suspended for unemployed doctors until they secure jobs,” she said.

Dr Nxumalo also said that most qualified black doctors often don’t opt for private practice after years of preparation focusing on public service, and the private sector limits options to specialise in the field.

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