Trade unions unhappy over temporary halt of pharmacist internship placements in KZN

Trade unions in KwaZulu-Natal have rejected the health department’s decision to temporarily halt the placement of pharmacist interns and other health professional interns in 2026, citing budgetary constraints.

In a statement, the Department led by MEC Nomagugu Simelane said while it is fully committed to training the next generation of health professionals, the available funding from the provincial fiscus is acutely constrained. 

“As a result, we have only been able to secure placements for medical interns and community service personnel at this time. This difficult decision stems from a simple, unavoidable principle: we cannot spend what we do not have. The exclusion of other categories is a matter of fiscal reality, not a measure of their value or importance to our health system,” the department stated.

"We want to assure all affected interns that this is not a permanent closure. The Department is actively pursuing every possible avenue to source additional financial resources," it said.

The department also assured those affected that the inclusion of pharmacist interns and other health professional interns will be prioritised once the fiscal situation improves.

Trade unions National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), and Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA), both stated that they will engage the department on the matter.

Ayanda Zulu, Secretary General of Nehawu in KZN, said the union is opposed to the Department of Health’s decision.

“We will be engaging with the department on behalf of the interns who have been put on hold, just as we have done for the doctors and nurses, among others. 

Zulu added that Nehawu is of the view that the battle must be directed at the National Treasury, which is responsible for funding public healthcare. 

“There is very little that the Department of Health can do because the National Treasury imposes austerity measures. That is why this year, in February, when the Minister of Finance delivers his Budget, we will be protesting outside, demanding that they fund all the vacant posts, because they are creating a crisis for the healthcare system,” Zulu stated.

Nkosinathi Thwala, PSA Provincial Organiser, said the PSA strongly opposes the Department of Health’s decision to discontinue certain internship programmes for 2026.

“The decision directly harms young people who invested time and resources in their education with the expectation of structured workplace training. South Africa faces a growing youth unemployment crisis. Cutting internships worsens this crisis and closes the door on qualified graduates who depend on these programmes to gain experience and professional registration,” Thwala said.

He claimed that the Department of Health ignores the reality of an ageing workforce.

"The government has introduced early retirement packages, and more employees continue to exit the system. Many more will retire in the near future. Interns play a vital role in filling gaps, supporting service delivery, and ensuring continuity. Removing internships creates a dangerous vacuum and places further strain on already overburdened health facilities,” Thwala stated.

He stated that the PSA demands that the department urgently ‘reviews and reverses’ this decision.

“The PSA rejects the claim that budget constraints leave no alternatives. The Department of Health must engage Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to fund internship programmes. SETAs exist precisely to support skills development and youth employment. Failure to approach these structures demonstrates a lack of commitment to sustainable workforce development,” Thwala said.

gcwalisile.khanyile@inl.co.za