Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has responded to increasing concerns relating to the working conditions of animal health practitioners in South Africa, in particular veterinarians.
This comes as the country grapples with a critical shortage of professionals in this field, which has far-reaching implications for animal health, biosecurity and food security.
Steenhuisen said veterinarians face several challenges, including insufficient resources and medicines, inadequate remuneration, and mounting mental health concerns.
He emphasised the gravity of the issues and acknowledged the indispensable role they play in safeguarding the country’s agricultural sector.
South Africa has about 4 000 registered vets, whereby 230 are specialists, according to a statement issued by the ACDP last week, also expressing its concerns about the “exodus” of professional veterinarians.
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This means that there are just over 60 vets per million people in the country, whereas there should at least be between 200 and 400 vets per million people as per the general international standard highlighted by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
Further reports indicate that the exodus of veterinarians has left vacancies in medical vicinities, especially in rural areas, the ACDP stressed.
“The figures released by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) record that some 100 veterinarians leave the country every year to work overseas, when only about 140 qualify every year.”
The ACDP said more needs to be done to prevent the loss of well-trained vets who have the necessary skills to address the multiplicity of animal and related challenges facing South Africa.
Meanwhile, Steenhuisen also underscored that South Africa must become a place where animal health practitioners can thrive and feel valued.
In his efforts to ensure comprehensive input from all relevant stakeholders, the Minister is expected to meet with nine provincial agriculture MECs, the South African Veterinary Association, and key industry experts to try avert a potential crisis in the profession and the agricultural sector.
