THE appointment of new healthcare workers in Limpopo has sparked reactions.
Following the appointment of new healthcare workers by the Limpopo provincial government and the Department of Health, the South African Young Pharmacists Association (SAYPA) has shared its concerns.
SAYPA is dissatisfied with the number of pharmacists included in these appointments.
On Tuesday, 6 May, 412 newly appointed healthcare workers were welcomed by the provincial government and the health department in Polokwane.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego led the welcoming event.
Thapelo Malatji, chairman of SAYPA, pointed out that only eight pharmacists were included in the cohort.
In February 2025, more than 200 unemployed pharmacists protested against the health department, demanding job opportunities.
"We welcome the appointments of these healthcare workers because it reduces unemployment. However, we are not pleased with the number of pharmacists appointed. Only eight pharmacists were appointed," Malatji said.
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He said these posts were advertised shortly after their march.
"We were expecting more posts for pharmacists because the organograms of the hospitals show that we are significantly understaffed," Malatji said.
He said that since they never got a response after handing over the memorandum of grievances, they'll be going back to the drawing table.
"Our members are demotivated by lack of communication from the department. I don't think they'll be willing to go back to the streets to reach out to the department. We will go back to the drawing table to determine how we can have conducive engagements with the department," he said.
Some pharmacists who are still unemployed called on the government to prioritise them.
Jacobeth Letsoalo (25) from Phalaborwa said: "I'm still unemployed, but I remain hopeful. We call on the department to also prioritise pharmacists when advertising posts."
Another unemployed pharmacist, Lebogang Theko (27), told Daily Sun: "The situation in the rural clinics and other health centres remains dire due to the shortage of pharmacists. We are qualified, skilled and ready to serve. Our government should create more jobs."
Meanwhile, the provincial government said that the appointment of these officials is a fulfilment of the 2025 State of the Province Address (Sopa).
Premier's spokesman Tilivhali Muavha said: "Premier Dr Ramathuba made a commitment to appoint 300 healthcare workers. The 412 cohorts exceed the intended target of 300," he said.
