Budget 2025: Jobs For Only 800 Of 1 800 Unemployed Doctors

When Theresa Brummer finished up her medical degree at Stellenbosch University, she had a clear vision for her future: to work in the public healthcare system in the Eastern Cape, where she was raised.

Brummer spent a year at Madzikane Ka Zulu Memorial Hospital in Mount Frere doing her government-required community service in a public hospital in addition to two years of medical internship at state health facilities before she was able to practise medicine in South Africa.

But today, instead of healing patients, Brummer sits at home in Gqeberha scanning job listings.

She is just one of 1 500 to 1 800 unemployed post-community service doctors, who cant find public sector jobs.

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana budgeted to employ 800 doctors such as Brummer the remaining 1 000 unemployed doctors cant be helped.