Gauteng Speaker refuses debate on urgent health MEC appointment
3 November 2020
I am disappointed that Gauteng Legislature Acting Speaker Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane has turned down my request for an urgent debate today on the need to appoint a new Health MEC as soon as possible.
In my motion I noted that Bandile Masuku was placed on special leave on 30 July 2020 and dismissed as MEC for Health on 9 October 2020. Jacob Mamabolo was appointed as Acting Health MEC while still performing as MEC for Roads and Transport.
My motivation for this debate is that it is vitally important to have a new Health MEC as soon as possible to take critical decisions with undivided attention concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and a myriad of health challenges and backlogs.
Another factor is that there are many high-level positions at the department that need to be filled urgently, including Head of Department, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Director: Supply Chain and Asset Management.