Notice of election for the National Council for 2026-2029

Published: 11 December 2025

Call for Applications: Second Cohort of SAFP Editorial Fellows (2026)

The South African Family Practice (SAFP) journal invites applications for its Editorial Fellowship Programme, now entering its second year. This initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of clinician-scholars in family medicine and primary care by offering a structured, mentored introduction to academic publishing.

What is the Editorial Fellowship?
An annual, one-year engagement for South African family medicine registrars, the fellowship provides a sheltered learning experience under the supervision and mentorship of the SAFP editorial team. Fellows will gain hands-on exposure to:
• Editorial processes: Manuscript triage, peer review analysis, and publication ethics.
• Critical appraisal and writing: Producing high-quality editorials and assessing peer reviews.
• Leadership and collaboration: Contributing to journal strategy and engaging with national and international networks.
• Innovation projects: Fellows may pursue special interests such as digital content creation, podcasts, or design initiatives.
This programme builds on the success of our inaugural cohort, whose reflections highlighted transformative experiences in scholarly communication, leadership development, and creative contributions to the journal’s growth.
Participation is entirely voluntary and unpaid. The estimated time commitment is around 1 to 2 hours per week. Each annual cohort will be limited to two fellows.

Voices from the first cohort and inaugural fellows, Drs Simon Marcus and Mmaphefo Maluleka
“This fellowship was a transformative experience. It deepened my understanding of editorial processes and sharpened my critical appraisal skills.”
“Working closely with senior editors gave me confidence and a sense of belonging in the scholarly community.”
“The opportunity to contribute to the journal’s strategy and creative projects, like podcasts and cover art, was career-shaping.”
“Joining editorial meetings and engaging in discussions on ethics and innovation broadened my perspective on research integrity and impact.”

Why apply?
The fellowship offers:
• Mentorship from experienced editors.
• Opportunities to co-author editorials and CPD articles.
• Participation in editorial board meetings and strategic discussions.
• A platform to shape the future of family medicine scholarship in South Africa.

Eligibility
• All currently enrolled South African family medicine registrars.
• A letter of support from your postgraduate programme convenor or Head of Department (HOD).
• Applicants will be evaluated on their demonstrated interest in scientific publishing, primary care research, communication skills, and commitment to digital communication to promote the journal.

Timeframe
• Fellowship duration: 1 year (2026).
• Application deadline: Monday, 12 January 2026.

How to apply
Submit the following to admin@saafp.org:
• A brief letter of motivation (max 500 words).
• Your CV.
• A letter of support from your programme convenor or HOD.

Published: 11/04/2025

From the President’s Desk [SA Family Practice Journal]

I have the great honour to pen this communication as the President of the SA Academy of Family Physicians. Over the last few decades, the academy has played a leading role in advocating and organising for the establishment of the discipline of family medicine and the enhancement of district and primary care services in our country. The next 5 years see us building on this work, with several interesting challenges and opportunities before us. The extent to which we respond will largely be dependent on your active engagement in the academy’s structures and activities.

Published: 01 April 2025

The professional boards have granted a 3-month extension from 1 April to 30 June 2025, for all practitioners who are non-compliant.

“The number of CPD points required, applies to a 12-month cycle of CPD programme. For example, if a practitioner is required to annually maintain a minimum of 30 CPD points (25 clinical and 5 ethical), only indicated is required to be CPD compliant and each CPD point is valid for 12 months from the date on which the activity took place.”

Published: 21 January 2025

WONCA and PLANETARY HEALTH

“Family doctors need to know how to reduce their environmental impact and prepare for climate change effects like worse flooding and over-heating. Organisations supporting family doctors can help…”

Published:10 January 2025

SUBMISSION GUIDELINE FOR SA FAMILY PRACTICE JOURNAL

The South African Family Practice (SAFP) journal is the official journal of the South African Academy of Family Physicians (SAAFP) and is aimed at all SAAFP members (including family physicians, registrars, associate members, students), working within primary care (both private and public health sectors, as well as urban and rural practice settings) within South Africa and the wider Southern African region.

SAFP is a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which strives to provide primary care teams, as well as researchers, with a broad range of scholarly work in the practice, training and learning of family medicine, primary care, primary health care, rural medicine, district health and other related fields.

Published: 25 October 2024

SUSPENSION OF HEALTH PRACTITIONERS REGISTERED WITH THE HPCSA FOR CPD NON-COMPLIANCE

“Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the responsibility of every registered health practitioner, which is a constant requirement to ensure continued competency relevance in health care delivery. The CPD programme assists registered health practitioners to document the ongoing development of relevant professional skills, knowledge and experiences attained beyond initial training, gained both formally and
informally as health practitioners practice their professions.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is legislatively required to ensure that health practitioners always remain CPD compliant, as contained in section 26 of the Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974). CPD compliance is therefore mandatory by law, for all health practitioners registered with the HPCSA. CPD compliance is critical for quality and good health care provision, thereby ensuring that the public always remains protected.”

Published: 23 October 2024

Family physicians poised for bigger role in public healthcare – after years on the sidelines

Family physicians undergo an extra four years of training, with an emphasis on clinical governance and knowledge of social factors influencing people’s health.

Published: 14/10/2024

From the President’s desk

Highlights from the 26th Annual South African Academy of Family Physicians Congress

The 26th Annual South African Academy of Family Physicians (SAAFP) Congress took place from 7 to 8 September 2024 at the Protea Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town. The conference was attended by 170 delegates, 40 speakers. 20 exhibition stands [sponsors and non-sponsors.],

The theme was “Family Medicine Strengthens PHC—Creating Opportunities from Adversity”, and the congress was co-organised by the University of Cape Town and the University of Limpopo, with support from Stellenbosch University and the SAAFP Specialist Family Physicians in Private forum.  We focused on “Respect, dignity and compassion—from the cradle to the grave.” This year’s congress brought together family physicians, registrars, and healthcare professionals from across the country to explore critical issues in primary healthcare and family medicine.