DPSA: Over 89% of foreign nationals in government work in health and education

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has expressed concern about the large presence of foreign nationals employed in the government’s 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 men while the women 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.