Patients lose out as under-qualified hospital heads are appointed in Gauteng

Issued by Jack Bloom MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC
31 Oct 2024 in Press Statements

The Democratic Alliance is appalled that under-qualified CEOs have been appointed to three top academic hospitals in Gauteng in a process marred by irregularities. These hospitals have a combined annual budget of more than R10 billion.

In March this year, it was announced that Dr Nthabiseng Makgana, Dr Lehlohonolo Majake, and Dr Godfrey Mbara, had been appointed as the CEOs of the Chris Hani Baragwanath, Steve Biko and George Makhari academic hospitals respectively.

But irregularities in their appointments are revealed by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

The advertisements for these positions were advertised by both the Gauteng Health Department and the National Health Department on two dates last year. According to the Department of Public Service and Administration, 8-10 years of experience at a Senior Management Service (SMS) level is required for the CEO position, but the National advertisement had a less stringent standard of at least 8 to 10 years not necessarily at SMS level.

According to the MEC’s reply, none of the three appointees had the required experience – Dr Mbara had only 5 years, Dr Makgana 6 years of experience, and 7 years for Dr Majake.

Another requirement was a Bachelors Degree (NQF 7) and a post-graduate NQF 8 qualification in the health or management sciences. Whereas Mbara and Majake have Masters degrees, Dr Makgana only has a MBCHB degree.

The Department says their decision to appoint the two female CEOs was due to the need to meet the 50% target for females at SMS level as this had fallen to 47% with the recent departure of senior female staff.

They also admit Dr Mbara did not apply for the George Mukari post online, was requested to post his CV manually, and only completed his SMS Pre-entry Certificate after his appointment – all in contravention of regulations.

Unions have claimed that Dr Makgana should not have been appointed as Bara hospital CEO as she does not have the required experience and qualifications. The Department says that concerns about her appointment were raised by the Labour Relations Manager, and they are investigating this matter.

It has been reported that Dr Makgana has claimed to be studying or to have completed her MBA at the Regenesys Business School, but the reply I have received does not confirm she has this degree.

I am flabbergasted by this cavalier disregard for qualifications and experience in choosing people to head hospitals that employ thousands of staff, and they each have annual budgets of more than R3 billion.

The Department has ignored the recommendations of the former Health Ombud Professor Malegapuru Makgoba on the importance of choosing the best candidates for the CEO position, which he outlined in his scathing report on the disastrous appointment of the Rahima Moosa Hospital CEO.

The DA calls for the urgent review of these three appointments.

We believe all our hospitals should have top-notch CEOs who can drive the changes needed to drastically improve healthcare for patients who suffer under substandard management.