Parliament, Thursday, 27 November 2025 - The Portfolio Committee on Health has expressed deep and growing concern over the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s (HPCSA) failure to execute its constitutional and legislative mandate to protect the public from unprofessional and unethical conduct within the health sector. The committee was briefed by the HPCSA on its operational processes and complaint-management mechanisms.
Committee Chairperson Ms Azwihagwisi Faith Muthambi said the HPCSA confirmed a sharp increase in complaints from the public. In addition, the HPCSA continues to struggle with an unacceptable backlog, poor turnaround times and weak oversight on the part of its professional Boards. The committee stressed that these failures leave victims unprotected, delay justice and severely undermine public trust in South Africa’s healthcare system.
Members questioned the HPCSA on the extent of the backlog and requested detailed statistics on the oldest unresolved cases. They also raised concerns about whether the complaints unit is adequately resourced to manage the increasing volume of complaints effectively. The committee emphasised that without proper capacity and resourcing, the HPCSA will remain unable to fulfil its core regulatory function and protect the public in a timely manner.
In addition, the committee sought clarity on the legislative framework governing the HPCSA, asking whether the current legislation adequately supports its operations or whether amendments are needed to strengthen its effectiveness. Members noted that outdated or insufficient legislation may be contributing to governance weaknesses and the slow handling of disciplinary matters.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of public awareness and engagement, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to information remains limited. The committee proposed strategies to improve communication so that communities understand the role of the HPCSA and know how and where to report unprofessional conduct.
The committee further questioned how the HPCSA intends to align its regulatory functions with the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Members stressed that integration with NHI structures is essential to ensure that regulatory oversight keeps pace with the evolving health system and supports equitable access to quality healthcare.
Ms Muthambi emphasised that the HPCSA, as a statutory body established to safeguard the public, must maintain robust governance and effective regulatory leadership. She noted that continued delays and selective handling of complaints, the failure to constitute the Council and its Boards as required by law, exorbitant penalties on late registration fees, and poor follow-up of matters with criminal elements all point to systemic weaknesses that can no longer be tolerated.
The committee has therefore directed the HPCSA to submit, within 30 days, a clear and measurable action plan. This plan must outline specific timeframes to eliminate the backlog, strengthen investigative and disciplinary capacity, restore the functionality of its Boards, and ensure proper governance and accountability mechanisms are in place. It must also include firm turnaround times for complaints, improved communication with complainants, and measures to protect victims while cases are under investigation.
Furthermore, the committee insisted that the HPCSA work closely with the Department of Health and relevant stakeholders, including professional bodies and civil society, to ensure that the system serves the public interest and not internal bureaucratic processes. Public awareness of complaints procedures, particularly in rural and underserved areas, must be urgently improved to ensure that all South Africans know where and how to report unprofessional conduct.
Ms Muthambi confirmed that the committee will convene a follow-up meeting early in the new year to assess progress. She issued a strong warning that Parliament expects tangible results, not bureaucratic assurances.
“We are not interested in promises. We expect action, timelines and accountability. The HPCSA must serve the people of South Africa, not its internal systems. This committee will not disappoint the nation. We will ensure that every health professional is held to account and that victims of unprofessional conduct receive protection and justice without delay,” she said.
The era of regulatory complacency is over. The HPCSA will be held accountable, and this committee will ensure that the health and dignity of every South African patient are protected without fear, favour or delay.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MS AZWIHAGWISI FAITH MUTHAMBI.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
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E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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