KZN Health MEC accused of cadre deployment over Hospital Board appointments

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane, is under fire after allegations surfaced that she and her close associates have influenced the appointment of hospital board members linked to the ANC and political patronage. 

Sources argue that the recent appointments across various health institutions in the province lack transparency and merit, raising concerns about cadre deployment in the health sector.

The controversy escalated after a formal complaint was lodged with the department, prompting questions about the integrity of the appointment process.

Last Friday, Ndunankulu Phakamani Owen Dlamini, traditional leader of Esiphahleni under the Esiphahleni Traditional Council, penned a letter raising serious concerns.

“I was born and currently reside in Richmond. Following my nomination by the Traditional Council, I submitted an application to serve as a board member in Richmond Hospital, representing our community and the interests of Traditional Leadership,” Dlamini stated. 

“It has come to my attention that certain individuals have recently been appointed to the board. As someone who met all the eligibility requirements stated in the public call for nominations, I am writing to seek clarity on the criteria used in the selection process.”

He stated the importance of transparency, particularly for underrepresented communities. 

“I believe such transparency is essential, particularly for communities and sectors that are often underrepresented,” he added. 

Dlamini further requested that the department provide “the selection criteria applied during the appointment process, as well as a list of appointed board members, including their qualifications”.

He lamented that his appeal is rooted in circulating rumours and concerns of favouritism and nepotism. 

“It is in the public interest that such perceptions are addressed promptly and transparently,” he wrote. 

“As an active advocate for Traditional Leadership and its role in governance within our province, I trust in your commitment to fairness and due process. I would appreciate a formal response within seven (7) working days from the date of this letter.”

Sources close to the appointments have raised troubling allegations. They alleged that a known ANC regional leader has been appointed Chairperson of Richmond Hospital’s board.

Another ANC leader, who recently contested the Ward 2 elections in Richmond, was also reportedly appointed.

Concerns have been raised about a board member currently involved in a firearms case involving unlicensed weapons. 

“How did he make it through?” one source questioned.

It was also alleged that the wife of one appointee works within the department, in the office of the MEC. 

“Was she not aware of this? Furthermore, what qualifies him to be part of the health fraternity?” the source questioned.

Additionally, a man believed to be an appointee's assistant was appointed Chairperson of Northdale Hospital.

Critics claim these appointments are classic examples of cadre deployment, favouring loyalists and associates over qualified professionals. 

“All the people mentioned and appointed have one thing in common. They are all associates. Quite obviously, someone is buying favours from this powerful man who has all his associates appointed,” a source said.

When approached for comment on Tuesday, MEC Simelane and her spokesperson, Nathi Oliphant, did not respond to questions from IOL, despite several reminders on Wednesday and Thursday.

IOL also sought to determine the criteria for these appointments and whether personal connections influenced the selection process.

The publication contacted Ndunankulu Dlamini, who confirmed he had not received a response from the department. “I have not received any reply,” he stated.

Last month, Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane withdrew the recent appointments of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, including several individuals linked to the ANC, following a public outcry over favouritism and cadre deployment.

The move followed a heated parliamentary session in which Members of Parliament questioned Mantashe’s appointment to the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) board and many others linked to the ANC.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.ca

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