Over 89% of foreign government employees are in health and education sectors – DPSA

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has raised concerns over the high number of government employees who are foreign nationals in the health and education sectors.

DPSA expressed these concerns to its portfolio committee on 19 February 2025, reported The Citizen. The officials gave a detailed outline of the number of foreign nationals in the different government departments and policy driving decisions.

DPSA ADDRESSES CONCERNS OVER HIGH NUMBER OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

The number of foreign government employees has decreased since 2024. According to DPSA, the numbers stand at 5 779, a decrease from the 6 220 total recorded in September 2024.

About 62% of foreign nationals are males while the females make up the remaining 38%. More than 60% of the employees are between the ages of 44 and 59. The numbers according to nationality are as follows:

• Zimbabweans – 2 172
• Congolese – 755
• Nigerians – 367
• India – 383
• Cuba – 265

In all the departments, two have recorded the highest number of foreign nationals as staffers; the health and education sectors.

This is as a high number of unemployed South Africans struggle to get jobs in both these government sectors. The country has also seen qualified citizens, especially in the medical field, taking to the streets due to lack of employment.

NUMBER OF FOREIGN EMPLOYEES IN HEALTH AND EDUCATION SECTORS

According to data by PERSAL released in September 2024, outlined the number of foreign government employees in health and education in each province. Find the numbers below.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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