Western Cape’s healthcare recovery: 800 new staff to improve public services

Twenty fake doctors have been arrested in South Africa, including one in Midrand who practised for a staggering 10 years before being caught. The Western Cape’s public healthcare system is entering a new phase of recovery after years of strain, with more than 800 new posts to be added under a R34.47 billion health budget, but pressure on services remains high. Presenting the 2026/27 Health and Wellness Budget,Mireille Wengersaid the province was moving beyond crisis management following the Covid-19 pandemic, fiscal constraints and rising demand, towards rebuilding and strengthening the system.

“We are moving beyond simply managing pressure. This budget allows us to actively stabilise and invest, and transform our health system so that it works better for every resident,” Wenger said. The budget includes funding to appoint more than 800 additional staff across the system, aimed at easing pressure on frontline services and supporting the province’s more than 33,000 healthcare workers.

The new posts include 316 nurses, 124 doctors, 80 emergency medical personnel, 38 allied health professionals and 278 support staff. An additional R105 million has been allocated to expand the workforce. The staffing boost comes after years of attrition and ongoing shortages in the public health system, which continues to operate under sustained demand.

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Over the past year, more than 20 million patient contacts were recorded across public facilities. Despite the planned increase in staffing, key pressure points remain, particularly in emergency medical services and high-volume facilities. Emergency services continue to face significant challenges, including long travel distances in rural areas, safety risks and the inappropriate use of ambulances.

Cape Argus has previously reported nearly 90 safety-related incidents involving EMS staff in under a year, including attacks on ambulances that delay critical care. At facility level, capacity pressures remain a concern. Previous Cape Argus reporting has highlighted ongoing strain and long waiting times at some facilities.

Hospitals such as Mitchells Plain Hospital continue to operate under heavy demand, with occupancy rates nearing capacity. Officials say the additional staff will help relieve pressure, but acknowledge improvements will take time as posts are filled.

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