NHI: Further cadre deployment and misappropriation await us
28 January 2020
The recent news that Health Minister Zweli Mkhize appointed his niece as the Department of Health’s chief of staff once again sounds the alarm bells about the government’s planned National Health Insurance Fund (NHI). This is especially problematic as there are already serious allegations of corruption against Sibusisiwe Ngubane Zulu from when she served on the board of the Public Investment Corporation. This news broke shortly after President Ramaphosa’s announcement at the ANC’s lekgotla that the party would be more stringent in the selection process for “comrades” that are appointed in governmental positions. Clearly, Cyril’s fine promises won’t change the status quo in the ANC.
Government institutions and state-owned entities epitomise the extent of the damage that the appointment of inept cadres can cause. The fact that the Minister of Health appointed a family member (who is allegedly corrupt) in such a high post in his department, and moreover maintains that he has done nothing wrong, is worrying, especially when one considers the NHI Bill and the power that it would afford Mkhize.
The ANC’s proposed health insurance fund could potentially be the biggest state-owned entity in the country’s history with billions in taxpayers’ money that will have to be dumped into it annually. According to Chapter 4 of the Bill, the power to appoint the board of this fund will vest almost exclusively in the Minister of Health.
The board of the fund will comprise no more than 11 persons who are not employed by the fund and appointed by the Minister, and one member who represents the Minister. The Minister, however, also appoints the ad hoc advisory panel that must submit its recommendations for the compilation of the board to the Minister.