Steenhuisen vows to improve working conditions of country’s vets
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has vowed to improve the working conditions of veterinarians in South Africa.
The country is grappling with a critical shortage of professionals in the veterinary field, with only 4,000 registered professionals working in the sector.
This is far below the international benchmark of between 200 and 400 veterinarians per million people.
Research also shows that at least a hundred South African veterinarians emigrate annually in search of better opportunities abroad.
Those working in the sector are grappling with various issues, including insufficient resources and medicines, inadequate remuneration and mounting mental health concerns.
Steenhuisen has vowed to work with the sector to address the concerns.
"Animal health practitioners play a huge role in safeguarding the country's agricultural sector, animal health, biosecurity and food security,” he said.
“Veterinarians are a cornerstone of South Africa's agricultural success, and without addressing the systemic issues they face, we risk jeopardising not only their well-being but the nation’s food security.
"South Africa must become a place where animal health practitioners can thrive and feel valued.”
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