On International Nurses Day, healthcare unions and organisations are calling for urgent action to address pressure on South Africa’s nursing workforce, warning that staff shortages, rising patient demand and declining training numbers are weakening the public healthcare system.
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa, DENOSA, says government must urgently recognise what the International Council of Nurses describes as the “seven powers” of nurses, care, practice, professionalism, proximity, numbers, peace and trust.
DENOSA says these powers represent the foundation of healthcare delivery and must be properly supported.
The union says South Africa’s nursing system is under growing strain, with reduced student intake at nursing colleges and ongoing shortages in hospitals and clinics.
It warns that declining training numbers are worsening access to healthcare in already vulnerable communities.
DENOSA says, “We urge the South African government and all healthcare employers, both public and private, to recognise these seven powers and create conditions that allow nurses to unleash their full potential.”
The union adds, “These recommendations could go a long way in reversing the rapid decay in the country’s healthcare system and strengthening its resilience.”
Globally, the International Council of Nurses estimates a shortage of about 5.8 million nurses, with production levels still below World Health Organization recommendations.
The ICN also warns that migration and burnout are deepening shortages, with hundreds of thousands of nurses moving from lower-income countries to wealthier economies in recent years.
In South Africa, the pressure is being felt at clinic level, where nurses often carry heavy patient loads while dealing with limited resources.
On the frontline, healthcare workers say the burden is not only clinical but also emotional.
Luvuyo Maloka from Unu Health says nurses remain central to patient care in communities.
“They are often the first point of contact, the ones managing ongoing care, and in many cases, the emotional support for patients navigating difficult diagnoses.”
He adds, “But what we are seeing is that too many people are entering the healthcare system far too late.”
The Public Servants Association says it remains committed to supporting nurses and improving working conditions.
The PSA says, “The PSA remains unwavering in the Union’s commitment to nurses.”
It adds, “Through sustained labour engagement, the PSA continues to advocate for safer working environments, adequate staffing, and resources necessary for nurses to perform their duties with dignity and excellence.”
The union also says, “These efforts are driven by a recognition that supporting nurses means strengthening the entire healthcare system.”
On Nurses Day, the PSA is also calling for greater recognition of healthcare workers.
It says, “We call on all stakeholders to recognise the humanity behind the uniform, to see the role nurses play and their daily sacrifices.”
It adds, “Nurses’ compassion and resilience do not go unnoticed. As the heart of the healthcare system, their legacy continues to inspire hope for the future.”
Meanwhile, nurse-led initiatives are emerging as alternative models of care in underserved areas.
Mpathy Clinics, run by NPO Rhiza Babuyile, operate in 11 township-based facilities including Umlazi, Gugulethu, Tembisa and Diepsloot.
The model focuses on expanding access to primary healthcare through nurses at community level.
Rhiza Ventures Managing Director Linda Dunkley says, “South Africa’s public sector serves roughly 80% of the population, yet clinics routinely face long queues, staff shortages and medicine stockouts.”
She adds, “Most primary healthcare services fall within the legal scope of a Professional Nurse and policies like NIMART… leaning on nurses is the only way to scale primary healthcare capacity at a cost the country can afford.”
As South Africa marks International Nurses Day, stakeholders continue to warn that without urgent investment in staffing, training and working conditions, pressure on nurses and the broader healthcare system is likely to intensify.
Saturday Star