Re-energising:
Gauteng premier David Makhura briefs the media after his cabinet reshuffle in Johannesburg on Wednesday. He said the health department, whose previous MEC, Bandile Masuku, was fired in October, has ‘deep, systemic’ problems.
Amid fears of a resurgence of Covid-19 infections, Gauteng premier David Makhura has moved to strengthen his health department, appointing a new health MEC and an “intervention team” to turn it around.
Makhura moved Nomathemba Mokgethi from the social development portfolio to replace Bandile Masuku, who he fired from the position in October after a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report into allegations of tender irregularities. Since then, the department was being run by public transport and roads infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo in an acting capacity.
The premier said that the Gauteng health department suffered from “deep, systemic and structural” problems that required more than the appointment of a new MEC.
The intervention team includes Mokgethi, senior provincial government officials, and three people nominated by health minister Zweli Mkhize: Percy Mahlati, Zethu Qunta and Keith Shongwe.
The SIU found that Masuku had failed to execute his functions in compliance with the constitution and the Public Finance Management Act in his oversight of the procurement of personal protective equipment. The report recommended that the premier take administrative action against him.
The SIU is still investigating whether there was any collusion or corruption in awarding the contracts.
Makhura originally said he would not fill the health MEC position because of the ongoing investigation, saying if Masuku was cleared, he would consider rehiring him.
The Gauteng ANC, however, shut down Makhura’s idea and insisted that he appoint a replacement for Masuku as soon as possible to stabilise and strengthen the provincial health department. Masuku is facing an ANC disciplinary hearing over the saga and is challenging the SIU report in court.
Public pressure also forced Makhura to take action against Masuku ’ s predecessor, Qedani Mahlangu.
Mahlangu resigned on the eve of the release of a report of the judicial commission of inquiry into the deaths of more than 140 psychiatric patients after they were moved from the specialised Life Healthcare Esidimeni facility to unregistered organisations in a costsaving exercise.
Last week, Makhura expressed concern about a resurgence of Covid-19 infections in the province, which has been the epicentre of the pandemic.
The premier said he was deeply worried about a possible increase in cases after the festive season, when Gauteng residents return from visits to other parts of the country and neighbouring states.
The surge is around the corner,” Makhura said, urging the public to comply with health protocols such as wearing cloth masks and avoiding large crowds. “The way to ensure the economy remains open is to ensure infections remain low and we contain the spread.”
Makhura said onWednesday that in appointing a new health MEC for the province he was looking to strengthen its health response as well as its economic and social relief response.
Mokgethi has 27 years of experience working in local government and the health sector. She is a trained nurse and has a master’s in nursing science. “For her training and experience in this sector I am moving her to the department of health to lead our health response,” Makhura said.
Economic development MEC Morakane Mosupyoe will replace Mokgethi in the social development portfolio.
Makhura also announced that deputy minister of co-operative governance & traditional affairs Parks Tau will take up the position of Gauteng’s economic development MEC.
The decision to move Tau, a former Johannesburg mayor, from national government to the province was taken after consultation with the ANC in Gauteng, national officials and ANC alliance partners, Makhura said. Makhura said Tau had extensive governance experience and vast global experience, which would be needed to attract investors to the province, which ordinarily contributes just over a third of SA’s GDP.
The ANC caucus in the Gauteng legislature welcomed the new appointments.
The appointment of the new MEC in health and the interventions will hopefully restore stability and enable the department to fully execute its much needed duties to the people of Gauteng,” chief whip Mzi Khumalo said.