Penelope Msimango appointed as KwaZulu-Natal's new Head of Department for Health

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Health has appointed Penelope “Penny” Msimango as their Head of Department (HoD). MEC Nomagugu Simelane described Msimango's appointment as a move that promises to enhance stability and continuity within the department. The announcement was officially made during the Department's monthly Management Committee (MANCO) meeting, where Msimango was introduced to the senior leadership team.

Previously serving as the acting HoD, Msimango now assumes the role permanently, armed with a revitalised mandate to facilitate systemic transformation, organisational reform, and enhanced service delivery across the province's healthcare system. Simelane expressed optimism regarding the new leadership, stating that Msimango's appointment marked a decisive turning point for the department.

“The appointment of Ms Msimango marks a new chapter for this department,” Simelane said. “She brings extensive institutional knowledge and a steadfast commitment to public service. She is entrusted with the urgent task of steering this department back to stability, accountability, and excellence.”

As part of her mandate, Simelane emphasised the necessity for an organisational overhaul, underscoring that all levels of management will be held to the highest standards of accountability and effective governance. “This overhaul is non-negotiable,” she said, while reassuring Msimango of full support as the department embarks on a robust phase of organisational strengthening.

Msimango, who hails from Ohlange in Inanda, began her healthcare journey as a nurse trained at McCord Hospital. With further qualifications from UNISA, she was able to contribute to health initiatives, such as pioneering HIV Testing and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programmes, developing the Community Care Giver (CCG) programme, and serving as the Head of Programmes and later District Director in eThekwini.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, she provided strategic leadership as Acting Deputy Director-General for Clinical Support Services in KZN. Msimango’s depth of experience and familiarity with community health has positioned her as one of the leading figures in the provincial health sector.

On accepting her appointment, Msimango appreciated MEC Simelane and the Provincial Cabinet for their belief in her leadership capacity. “I take this as an honour and a privilege to work with the team that the Department has, particularly the senior management team,” she said.

“The task ahead is not simple; it is complex. We must build a cohesive, highly effective team and ensure the centre holds. If the centre doesn’t hold, we won’t meet our objectives,” Msimango articulated.

Identifying the necessity of reviewing the organisational structure to address critical gaps, particularly in Monitoring and Evaluation, she expressed hope to finalise a recovery plan and change management strategy by the end of January.

MEC Simelane outlined several priority issues that Msimango will tackle head-on during her tenure, including a financial turnaround in the department's finances, which must include tighter controls and innovative efficiency measures.

Another aspect for Msimango to improve is staff motivation and retention. Vacancy freezes have led to staff shortages and burnout, necessitating immediate interventions to bolster morale and retain critical staff. Service delivery restoration is another priority for her, which entails restoring public confidence in the health system. “The people of this province deserve a health department that works for them,” said Simelane.

DAILY NEWS