Latest news with #MECforHealthandWellness
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
New board members across Gauteng hospitals
More than 200 newly appointed hospital board members have been inducted across Gauteng to help improve healthcare governance. MEC for Health and Wellness in Gauteng Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko speaking at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Picture: Gauteng Health In a move aimed at strengthening accountability and restoring trust in Gauteng's public healthcare system, the province's Department of Health on Friday inducted 222 new hospital board members who will serve across 34 public hospitals. The induction ceremony took place at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko officially welcomed the new members. 'Our people are ready to partner with us' The appointment follows an overwhelming public response, with more than 1 500 applications received from professionals and community leaders. Nkomo-Ralehoko said the large number of applicants was a sign of active citizenship. 'The overwhelming number of applications shows that our people are ready to partner with us to improve healthcare. It is a powerful sign of active citizenship and gives us hope for the future, especially as we march towards implementing the National Health Insurance,' said the MEC. She emphasised that the new board members are being brought on board at a crucial time, as Premier Panyaza Lesufi has identified poor service at public healthcare facilities as one of the province's 13 key challenges. 'From today, this problem becomes your problem too. You are our partners in restoring dignity, trust, and excellence in our facilities,' Nkomo-Ralehoko added. ALSO READ: Gauteng health rubbishes claims of corpses left in 'limbo' at Helen Joseph Hospital Diverse skills for better governance The new board members represent a range of backgrounds, including law, health, and community activism. Their role is voluntary and aimed at bolstering hospital governance, ensuring transparency, and improving the quality of care. Yamkela Rini, appointed to the board of Tara H. Moross Hospital, said the role comes with responsibility. 'Our role is not for financial benefit, but to ensure good governance, proper service delivery, and high standards of care. We want to help the Department of Health and hospital management address the growing number of litigations by improving quality and infrastructure,' he said. Lawyer Phillemon Lebelo, who joins the Jubilee Hospital board, highlighted the value of diversity among members. 'There is no greater honour than to serve your own community. Our collective experiences will greatly benefit the hospitals we are to serve in,' said Lebelo. ALSO READ: Water interruptions affect major Gauteng hospitals Term and vision The new boards will serve a three-year term from 1 July 2025 to March 2028. To ensure smooth transitions, the term of outgoing members was extended by three months. The department said these boards will be key in supporting hospital management and ensuring services remain patient-centred. Gauteng's new hospital boards are expected to drive the transformation of the public healthcare system and rebuild confidence among patients. NOW READ: Gauteng health MEC warns against denying foreign nationals health care access
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng Health MEC issues urgent food safety warning after poisonings
Communities in Gauteng have been alarmed by several cases of children admitted to healthcare facilities after consuming poisonous food. In response, on World Food Safety Day (June 7), MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the urgent need to ensure food safety for all. 'This day is a call to action and a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our communities,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO READ: Gauteng Health gets R100m boost to fix hospital equipment and laundry services 'Foodborne illnesses are a serious public health concern worldwide, and Gauteng is no exception. In 2024 alone, over 700 cases have been recorded in our communities and schools, leading to tragic losses — including 30 children, with Naledi recording the highest number of deaths. Ten lives were lost in Soweto due to consumption of a harmful pesticide. This is a wake-up call for all of us.' The department has launched a year-long campaign with various stakeholders to combat this crisis, but the MEC stressed that food safety is everyone's responsibility. 'Together, we must educate ourselves on safe food handling, proper cooking, and the importance of clean food preparation areas. If you see expired or contaminated food being sold, report it immediately. Your actions protect your family and community,' she said. ALSO READ: Gauteng Health adjusts tariffs for patients Nkomo-Ralehoko urged practical steps to ensure food safety, including: • Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food, after using the bathroom, and after touching animals. • Storing perishable foods in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking or purchase. • Cooking food thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria. • Separating raw and cooked foods using different utensils and cutting boards. • Always checking expiry dates before purchasing or consuming food. 'I urge all Gauteng communities to take these steps and help create a safer food environment for themselves, their families, and their neighbours,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. 'Remember that food safety is everyone's business. Let us educate, inspire action, and work together for a safer future.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
No place for the corrupt: ANC challenges all parties to match its zero-tolerance stance
South Africa - Johannesburg - 15 May 2025 - Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team Coordinator Hope Papo and Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko MEC for Health and Wellness. The African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) announces the outcomes of the two-day Provincial Lekgotla held on 3–4 May 2025 at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways. The ANC Gauteng coordinator, Hope Papo, has called on other political parties to be like the ANC, and have policies that take disciplinary action against members charged with corruption. Speaking in Johannesburg on Thursday, Papo stressed that the political system would benefit if all parties introduced policies that discipline members formally charged with corruption—just as the ANC has done through its "step-aside" rule. 'So we encourage all political parties in South Africa to follow the ANC, we are the biggest party, we are doing it, all political parties must do,' he said. The ANC has implemented a step-aside rule that requires members who are formally charged with corruption or other serious crimes to voluntarily withdraw from party and government activities, failing which they may face suspension. Papo stated some of the party leaders appeared in criminal courts, but they were not charged they are still leading the organisation, while the ANC leaders were ambushed. But he said in the ANC, stepping aside was mandatory. Papo has echoed the party's position on renewal and rebuilding, saying this will be a way for the ANC to reclaim power. 'So, we think that through that policy, we will actually, it will help in renewing the organisation. 'Because ultimately, ANC doesn't arrest, charge, and convict people. That is why there's an issue of stepping aside from your leadership positions. 'And a number of our leaders have done so. And sometimes they would have been wrongly accused, but they would have stepped aside. And sometimes they lose leadership positions,' he said. The provincial co-convener, Panyaza Lesufi, had previously promised to clamp down on corruption and laziness in the party. IOL Politics
