KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane demands investigation into corruption claims
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The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, called for Premier Thami Ntuli to investigate the allegations of corruption levelled against her.
In addition, Simelane called for Members of the Provincial Legislature, particularly those from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), to write to Ntuli, the Auditor-General of South Africa, and the provincial Treasury to investigate her.
Allegations were levelled against Simelane, stating that she used her position of power as the previous chairperson of the Agriculture and Rural Development Portfolio Committee to secure funding for a family company in Ithala and within the government.
Simelane made the remarks at the 2025/26 financial year budget debate and vote at the provincial legislature on Tuesday. The total health budget is R56.2 billion.
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In her speech, Simelane spoke of upgrades to clinics, improvements to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and interventions made to enhance service delivery within the Health Department.
Members of the MKP made scathing remarks at Simelane during the debate. Judith Gasa, MPL of the MKP, spoke of the allegations that she heard in the news that Simelane was seen at the airport with a bag full of money.
Gasa was asked to withdraw her statement because it was fake news, and she was also informed that MPLs should not come to the legislature to make such accusations.
Gasa was also concerned about contracts and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) which she labelled as politically protected plundering.
'The MEC wants us to believe that digitising the health system would improve efficiency, yet she cannot even digitise honesty in her office. Before we digitise health records, can we first digitise a list of MEC members' families who have benefited from the health tenders?' Gasa said.
She added that MPLs were called to vote upon the health budget at a time when Simelane is facing allegations of 'using proximity to benefit her family of KwaZulu-Natal provincial government funds to the tune of millions'.
'How can the legislature entrust the MEC to safeguard this substantial budget allocation. We call for a full forensic audit of all PPP arrangements in the Department of Health and the immediate suspension of any official with political links to irregular procurements,' Gasa said.
In response to Gasa, Simelane said she did not expect her (Gasa) to bring up fake news in the legislature.
'You expect an honourable member of her calibre to read to understand and follow. But I suppose this is what her party decided to send her to do.
'We also know that there are MKP members who are benefiting from the National School Nutrition Programme. The premier must also bring them to this House. So let us be scrutinised. All of us as members will be able to be investigated by the premier,' Simelane said.
Dr Keeka, DA MPL, said he supported due process, not trial by media.
'In the event that hard evidence – which is credible, verifiable, and legally sound – emerges, we will not hesitate to act. Until then, we will not join the current claims and counter-claims and will only act on cold, hard facts,' he said.
Simelane said she is writing a detailed report on the allegations levelled against her to Ntuli and the African National Congress.
In previous reports, Ntuli said he has taken proactive measures by requesting comprehensive reports detailing all relevant facts, context, and any developments related to the allegations.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za
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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ She also dismissed claims of a voice recording allegedly implicating her, calling them 'false.' 'There is no such thing. I respect media freedom, but this freedom comes with responsibility to report fairly and accurately.' Simelane said she had taken legal steps to stop the 'spread of lies' and to protect the integrity of her office. Furthermore, Simelane also addressed accusations around her family's farm, saying the loan it received from Ithala Bank was issued in 2008, years before she held any influential role in agriculture. 'In 2008, I was a junior official employed within a completely different department. I had resigned from the family company in 2004 – four years before that loan was issued,' she said. She emphasised that her family applied for agriculture support through legal departmental processes, with no influence from her.' 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Upholding the Constitution and healthcare rights Responding to criticism about undocumented immigrants receiving treatment in public hospitals, Simelane reaffirmed that South Africa's Constitution guarantees access to emergency healthcare for all individuals, regardless of nationality. She stated that while resource constraints continue to challenge the system, denying emergency medical care based on nationality would be unlawful and unethical. The Department of Health remains committed to delivering care fairly and consistently, within the bounds of the law. 'I agree that illegal immigration is a serious problem in our country, but we cannot turn away human beings in need of medical treatment. Denying emergency medical care based on nationality would not only be inhumane but also unlawful.' Although lawful protests are acknowledged and respected, she condemned any form of action, including road blockages or hospital disruptions, that endangered lives. Refuting media interference The MEC said she had no involvement in the non-renewal of radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract with Vuma FM. The station itself confirmed that the decision was made as part of its internal HR processes, with no external influence. 'I respect media freedom, but this freedom comes with legal and ethical responsibility to report fairly and accurately. When false allegations are spread, I have the same right as any citizen to defend my name,' Simelane said. She has since taken legal action to protect her reputation and the integrity of her office, following the vilification attempts made by certain individuals online. These actions are rooted in Simelane's constitutional right to defend herself and do not constitute an attempt to silence legitimate journalism. Farm loan and agricultural support clarified Unfounded critiques around her family's purchase of a farm have also been raised. The farm was financed through a loan from Ithala Bank in 2008, which was granted four years after Simelane had resigned from the family business in 2004, and years before she became Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee in June 2016. In 2008, she was serving as a junior official in an entirely separate department without any input into or influence over Ithala Bank's loan approval processes. The facts of the matter remain clear and verifiable: The farm was financed through a private loan by Ithala Bank in 2008. MEC Simelane resigned from the family business in 2004, four years before the loan was issued. Her role as Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee began only in 2016, well after the farm was acquired. Her family further applied for routine agricultural support from the Department of Agriculture on several other occasions over the years, all through standard application procedures. These applications were adjudicated by independent technical panels, without any involvement from elected officials. While the farm remains a separate family business, Simelane is not shying away from the facts. To further ensure transparency and public trust, a full and detailed report has been submitted to the Premier. In response to political opponents who have leveraged the claims to demand her resignation, Simelane strongly refuted the allegations, saying she will not bow to bullying tactics. 'Leadership should never be determined by threats or intimidation, but by truth, service, and due process. Sadly, bullying and online trolling have become far too common in our society by those seeking to harass and undermine others. I will not bow to those tactics, and I will not allow them to compromise the progress we are making within the province.' Family employment allegations Additional claims have suggested that the MEC used her position to influence the employment of family members. These are also false. Her sister's appointment as the Assistant Director of Human Resources in the Department of Health followed a transparent, competitive recruitment process. Her sister was already working within the department, and had the relevant qualifications and experience when she applied for the position. An independent panel conducted the interviews, and the MEC had no involvement. Her brother is a qualified finance professional with 15 years of corporate experience and verifiable academic credentials, and is employed as Director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Simelane said the accusations of fraudulent CVs or preferential treatment are not only unsubstantiated, but deeply offensive to the many black professionals who have earned their positions through merit and hard work. Focused on service delivery As online narratives grow more personal and defamatory, Simelane affirmed her continued commitment to public service and delivery. Despite these distractions, the Department of Health continues to focus on expanding service access, improving healthcare infrastructure, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens. 'South Africa deserves leadership that is focused on service delivery, not to be preoccupied by political games and agendas. I will not be drawn into distractions or tomfoolery. I will not play politics with people's lives. I will continue to do what I have done since 2004: serve with dignity, lead with humility, and strive for a stronger, fairer, and more dignified healthcare system in KwaZulu-Natal,' Simelane concluded. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
