The South African government has started rejecting applications by health workers from Zimbabwe on grounds that its neighbour is currently facing a staff crisis due to migration.
The neighbouring country’s Public Health Department’s Directorate said that Zimbabwe is not listed in the category of countries South Africa should recruit from.
This was revealed in a letter to some Zimbabwean applicants last week, which was signed by the South Africa public health director of workplace management, Sindile Sodladla.
He wrote:
“The government of South Africa is obliged to adhere to all the relevant protocols between member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) as well as World Health Organisation as it pertains to the recruitment of health professionals from developing countries.
“These agreements, protocols and recruitment codes were designed to prevent the uncontrolled recruitment of health professionals from countries where the public health system is faced with huge staff shortages, particularly with regard to health professional occupations.
“In view of the above, the department regrets to inform you that your application for endorsement towards registration and employment in South Africa was not successful.
“Your country, Zimbabwe, is not listed in the category of countries the RSA department of Health should recruit from.”
He added:
“You are in your interest, advised to familiarise yourself with the relevant immigration legislation and not to depart to South Africa to promote your application for support.
“The department will not be in a position to reconsider your application, once you have arrived in the country.”
Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president, Enoch Dongo said he knew nothing about the new development in South Africa.
He, however stated that if it was true, then it was against the SADC and AU protocols on free movement and employment of Africans across the region.
