Disgraced former Hospital CEO has a top job in Gauteng Health Department

11 April 2024

The disgraced former CEO of Rahima Moosa Hospital has landed a top job in the Gauteng Health Department despite the Health Ombud’s damning report on her poor performance and mental stability.

Dr Nozuko Mkabayi is now the Acting Director: HAST, which covers HIV/Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and TB programmes, and she earns the same salary as a hospital CEO.

This is revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

According to the MEC, no disciplinary action has been taken against Dr Mkabayi despite the Health Ombud’s findings against her, including irregularly working from home and unauthorised days off instead of being at the hospital.

The Health Ombud’s report was released in March last year with a long list of recommendations to correct the poor management and appalling conditions at this hospital, including pregnant women sleeping on the floor.

Dr Mkabayi notoriously suspended Dr Tim de Maayer who bravely exposed these conditions, and she only backtracked after the public outcry.

She is now in a senior position despite her poor management style and questions about her mental stability.

The SA Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) was investigating Dr Mkabayi’s conduct, but the Department says they have not shared any findings on her. This is despite the Health Ombud supporting the HPCSA process for an independent psychiatric evaluation and strict monitoring after her transfer from the hospital to the head office.

The other big disappointment is that the Department has received no feedback from the Premier's Office, which was supposed to appoint an independent forensic and audit firm to investigate the hospital.

This is yet another example where a cadre is protected at the expense of patients.

The Democratic Alliance calls for the full implementation of the Health Ombud’s report to ensure accountability, and decent treatment of mothers and children at the Rahima Moosa Hospital.

Issued by Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, 11 April 2024