KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is accused of attempting to evade accountability amid mounting evidence that the hospital board appointments have been influenced by political loyalty rather than merit and transparency.

The allegations surfaced last month when sources close to the department revealed that several recent hospital board appointments across the province lack the transparency expected of public institutions. 

Instead, they suggest these appointments favour individuals allegedly linked to the province’s African National Congress (ANC) or those with close ties to Simelane and her associates. 

They revealed that local councillors and ANC regional leaders were among those appointed, raising alarm over the politicisation of crucial health governance structures.

However, the controversy deepened after traditional leader Ndunankulu Phakamani Owen Dlamini lodged a formal complaint with the department and voiced concern over the appointment process. 

Dlamini, a member of the Esiphahleni Traditional Council in Richmond, said: “I was born and currently reside in Richmond. Following my nomination by the Traditional Council, I applied to serve as a board member at Richmond Hospital, representing our community and the interests of Traditional Leadership. 

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

Despite his efforts, Dlamini reported receiving no response from the department.

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

Attempts by IOL to obtain a comment from MEC Simelane have been met with silence. 

Last month, the department’s spokesperson, Nathi Oliphant, promised to respond to inquiries but failed to do so. When approached again this week, Oliphant acknowledged the request but did not provide any response.

Speaking anonymously, a source within the department expressed frustration over the lack of accountability. 

“There is no appointed person who is not linked to the MEC of Health. Those appointed are either her comrades or people working with her associates. It’s clear that these appointments are driven by loyalty, not qualifications,” the source said. 

“The fact that they ignore public complaints and silence media inquiries shows they do not care about transparency or accountability. It’s all about benefiting friends and associates, regardless of their capability.”

Further troubling allegations have emerged about individuals appointed to key hospital boards. 

Among them is a well-known ANC regional leader appointed as chairperson of the Richmond Hospital board, and another who recently contested local elections in Ward 2. 

Critics also point to a board member involved in a firearms case involving unlicensed weapons, questioning how such an individual was deemed suitable for a health governance position.

Additional concerns revolve around nepotism. Reports that the wife of one appointee works within the MEC’s department prompt questions about conflict of interest and qualification standards.

“Who qualifies for these appointments? Are they based on merit or political loyalty?” questioned one source. 

“It appears that cadre deployment is alive and well in KwaZulu-Natal’s health sector, with loyalists being rewarded over qualified professionals.”

As the controversy unfolds, calls are growing for greater transparency and accountability in the appointment process. Critics argue that such practices undermine public confidence in the health system and threaten the integrity of governance structures meant to serve the community.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

IOL Politics

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