An Appeal from the PPB Board of the HPCSA
Prof. Marianne Unger – Chairperson of the Education, Training and Registrations Committee
South African physiotherapy stands at a critical juncture. While the profession continues to expand into diverse areas of practice—neurology, orthopaedics, sports, paediatrics, cardiorespiratory care, women’s health, public health, and beyond—we must confront a stark reality: without more substantial collective commitment to clinical training, we risk undermining the very future we hope to shape.
Physiotherapy is one profession, one community – with many arms of practice. Our strength lies not only in our diversity but in our unity of purpose. Yet, despite the increasing demand for skilled physiotherapists across the country, many students struggle to access the rich, hands-on learning environments they so desperately need. The ripple effects are real: delayed clinical readiness, overwhelmed public-sector placements, and missed opportunities to instil the competencies essential for contemporary, patient-centred care.
We call on all physiotherapists, particularly those in private practice, to open your doors – not just to patients, but to the next generation of practitioners.
Why your involvement matters
- You are a vital part of the healthcare system. Whether you work in solo practice, a multidisciplinary team, or a specialised field, you hold clinical knowledge and real-world experience (including advanced skills and business acumen) that students cannot get from textbooks alone (World Physiotherapy, 2021).
- Student exposure to diverse contexts prepares them for diverse realities. Research shows that clinical learning in both public and private settings equips students with adaptability and resilience for South Africa’s complex healthcare environment (Lazarus et al., 2020).
- Teaching and mentorship strengthen the profession. Engaging with future professionals enhances your evidence-informed practice, builds leadership capacity, and fosters a legacy of professional pride (Koo & Li, 2016; McCallum et al., 2019).
- Advocating for training access strengthens our collective voice. If we want to remain a recognised and valued member of the healthcare team under NHI and beyond, we need to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable training models (HPCSA Ethical Guidelines Booklet 2, 2016).
We Acknowledge the Challenges
We also recognise that practical and regulatory obstacles make this ask complex, particularly for private practitioners:
- The POPI Act has created real uncertainty about student observation and patient consent, especially in private hospitals.
- There is no formal compensation or payment model for private practices hosting students, unlike public-sector platforms.
- Shadowing and mentoring are difficult in solo or small practices, especially where the staffing model is lean.
- The role of private practice in NHI is unclear. However, we must move forward on the optimistic assumption that physiotherapy in some form will remain a key part of the healthcare fabric.
These are not reasons to disengage, but rather areas where collective advocacy is urgently needed.
What You Can Do Right Now
Even within current constraints, you can make a meaningful contribution:
- Offer limited placements or structured observations, where appropriate and legally compliant
- Mentor new graduates or junior colleagues, especially those entering private practice
- Host case-based learning discussions or virtual CPD events for students in your region
- Advocate within your networks—from WhatsApp groups to professional forums—for wider involvement in training
- Explore collaboration with academic institutions on supervised student placements, even if part-time
Our collective future depends on building a new culture of participation, where clinical training is not seen as someone else’s job, but as a shared professional responsibility.
If we do not act, we risk:
- Losing our relevance in the healthcare system
- Producing graduates unprepared for real-world clinical and business demands
- Weakening the collective capacity of our profession
If we do act, we ensure:
- A skilled, compassionate, and work-ready workforce
- A more unified, future-proof profession
- A proud legacy that continues beyond our own practices
Let us be the generation that turns the tide—not by waiting for ideal conditions, but by doing what we can, where we are.
Together, we grow. Together, we shape the future. One profession, many arms. One purpose.
References:
- World Physiotherapy. (2021). Global Standards for Physiotherapy Education.
- HPCSA. (2016). Ethical Guidelines for Health Care Professionals: Booklet 2 – Ethical and Professional Rules.
- Koo, L. C., & Li, H. C. (2016). The reciprocal benefits of mentoring student health professionals in clinical practice. BMC Medical Education, 16(1), 1–8.
- McCallum, C. A., Mosher, P. D., Jacobson, P. J., Gallivan, S. P., & Giuffrida, C. G. (2019). Engaging clinicians in education: Impact on practice and professional identity. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 35(1), 66–74.
- Lazarus, S., Naidoo, A. V., & Daniels, F. M. (2020). Humanising pedagogy in health sciences: Enabling access, success, and social justice. African Journal of Health Professions Education, 12(1), 4–8.
Last Updated on 9 September 2025 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs