The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the removal of annual membership and registration fees charged by professional bodies to unemployed graduates and early-career professionals.
Push for Parliamentary Intervention
In a formal letter to Parliament, EFF Member of Parliament Sihle Lonzi requested urgent intervention, arguing that the current system places an unfair burden on young professionals who are not earning an income.
The call targets regulatory bodies such as:
- South African Council for Educators (SACE)
- Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
- Legal Practice Council (LPC)
- Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
- South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
“A Structural Barrier”
The EFF argues that requiring unemployed professionals to pay annual fees creates a systemic contradiction — individuals must remain registered to be employable, but cannot afford the fees due to unemployment.
Failure to pay often results in suspension or removal from professional registers, which can further reduce job opportunities.
Key Demands
The party is calling for:
- A full waiver of fees for unemployed professionals
- Protection of active registration status during unemployment
- No penalties or deregistration due to non-payment
- A uniform national framework for declaring unemployment
Broader Impact
According to the EFF, the current system disproportionately affects young graduates already dealing with limited job opportunities and financial pressure, including student debt.
The party says reforming the system would not only support individuals but also strengthen the economy by ensuring skilled professionals remain ready to enter the workforce.
Parliament is yet to respond to the proposal.
