sector skills plan for the health sector in south africa

5 THE SUPPLY OF SKILLS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The previous chapters clearly indicated that the health sector (and specifically the public health sector)
is in a critical state as a result of skills shortages. Clearly, the demand for skills by far exceeds the supply
of them. In this chapter the supply-side of the labour market is considered. The different elements of
supply are described, supply figures are presented (in as far as they are available), and the supply-side
constraints that contribute to the current shortages are highlighted.
The chapter starts with a discussion of the institutional arrangements and capacity for skills
development. This is followed by professional registration and graduation trends. The role that the
HWSETA plays in skills development is then discussed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of some
of the most important factors that impact on the supply of skills – both positively and negatively.
5.2 THE SOUTH AFRICAN SECONDARY SCHOOL SYSTEM
The results of the Senior Certificate examination are key factors in determining the supply of skills for
the health sector. Grade 12 mathematics is an entry requirement for most of the tertiary-level study
programmes providing access to the sector. In addition, most of the tertiary institutions require
prospective health sciences students to have studied either Grade 12 physical sciences or Grade 12 life
sciences (previously referred to as “biology”).
In 2008, a total of 554 664 learners sat the Senior Certificate examination. Of the full-time candidates
with seven 180 or more subjects, 37.8% failed. However, irrespective of subject choice, only 19.1%
(106 047) qualified for university entry. Just more than 300 000 candidates wrote Grade 12
mathematics, and only 89 186 candidates achieved 40% and above. Notably fewer candidates wrote
Grade 12 physical sciences and only 61480 achieved 40% and above in the subject. A total of 117 483
passed life sciences; i.e. 39.4% of the candidates who wrote this subject (Table 5-1).
180 The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination of 2008 was the first that was based on the New Curriculum Statement
(NCS), which requires all learners in Grades 10 to 12 to take seven subjects. Two of these subjects must be South African
languages, one of which must be the language of teaching and learning. In addition to two languages, all learners must offer
Life Orientation and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. In addition to these four compulsory subjects, learners must
choose three subjects from a list of approved subjects. http://www.education.gov.za/emis/emisweb/statistics.htm. (Accessed
August 2010).
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