Department Reports 6,487 Vacant Clinic Posts

South Africa's public primary health care facilities report nearly one in ten posts unfilled, with Macambini residents directed to nearby 24-hour services.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Department Reports 6,487 Vacant Clinic Posts

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Do you think your local public clinic is adequately staffed?

The Department of Health reported 6,487 (9.66%) vacant posts across affected public Primary Health Care facilities nationwide, according to a PERSAL report dated 30 September 2026. The Department said the Macambini community can access after-hours services at Sundumbili Community Health Centre and Isithebe Clinic.

Why it matters

Vacancies concentrated among nurses and support staff bear directly on how much primary care is available close to home. The Department attributes the shortages to insufficient funding and says it is working to prioritise funded posts.

The PERSAL report dated 30 September 2026 records 6,487 (9.66%) vacant posts at affected public PHC facilities, with 1617 of 3473 facilities (46%) reporting vacancies nationwide. The source does not state how quickly these posts will be funded or filled.

The players

Department of Health

The national department responsible for public health policy and service delivery in South Africa, which provides strategic leadership and technical support to provinces.

The details

Primary Health Care facilities generally operate eight hours a day, five days a week. For after-hours care, Macambini residents can use Sundumbili Community Health Centre, 12 kilometres from Macambini Clinic, or Isithebe Clinic, 13 kilometres away, both of which operate 24 hours a day. A ward-based outreach team also provides household-level services in Macambini.

30 September 2026: PERSAL report records PHC facility vacancies nationwide.

Roadmap

The National Department of Health has urged provinces to prioritise funded vacancies for professional nurses, staff nurses, nursing assistants and essential support staff. The Department says it will monitor shortages and track the filling of critical posts.

Residents needing care outside standard hours should note the 24-hour options at Sundumbili and Isithebe. Those relying on standard clinic hours may find services limited while vacancies remain unfilled.

The takeaway

Check which clinics near you offer extended or 24-hour hours before you need urgent primary care. Staffing gaps can affect routine appointments as well as emergencies.