Late last year we published an article regarding government proposals to incorporate therapeutic massage under Allied Health Professionals of South Africa’s remit.
A petition was established and promoted by the union Solidarity and SAAHSP.
We are now following up with the article to bring you up to speed with where we are now, which is nt much further at this time. It could be that we have more clarity in a few months, or it could take much longer.
Below is the current report from Solidarity with some brief explanation on the process. Plu, additional comments SAAHSP to give you further information and bring you up to speed.
1. Confirmation of Submission
Solidarity’s written submission was formally lodged with the Department of Health on 22 November, and we have confirmation that it has been recorded.
2. Parliamentary Questions Submitted
The FF Plus has submitted parliamentary questions not only to the Minister of Health, but also to the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Trade and Industry.
These questions address:
• the expected impact of the proposed Somatology register,
• the absence of a socio-economic impact assessment,
• the risk to jobs and small businesses, and
• the extent of stakeholder consultation across the sector.
All three Ministers are now required to respond in writing.
3. The Process After Submissions
Once submissions close, the Department of Health follows an internal review process that includes:
• evaluating all public comments,
• assessing operational, legal, and economic implications,
• preparing an internal advisory report, and
• responding to parliamentary oversight from the relevant Ministries.
Only after this internal cycle is completed will the Department indicate the way forward — whether revisions, further consultation, or a pause in implementation.
4. What We Are Awaiting Now
We are currently waiting for:
• written replies from the Ministers of Health, Labour, and Trade & Industry; and
• official feedback from the Department of Health regarding the next steps.
5. Ongoing Work
While we wait for formal responses, we continue engaging stakeholders, collecting industry data, and preparing for the next phase. Updates will be shared as soon as they become available.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to this process. Your involvement strengthens the collective voice of the industry.
A statement from SAAHSP
Submissions with comments have been made to Ministers and Government and we await formal responses and due processes.
While these processes can take time, we continue to encourage all Salons, Spas, Product Houses, and businesses involved within the beauty industry to become members of SAAHSP which is registered and accredited as the professional body.
Through membership our grading process continues to promote and support industry standards professionally. Every therapist involved within the business which is SAAHSP graded must register and show continued professional development within our system. Our new My Membership Portal makes this very easy for every member to register. Corporate Members also have the opportunity to register their training courses which are done in house which can be used for CPD training points.
For more information kindly copy and paste the link onto your browser and follow the prompts: - https://www.mm3.co.za/Login.aspx?communityId=2c003faa-3355-4b0e-b018-e4a2b7639efc
