After 41 years as an employee of the Department of Health of which 17 were spent as the Chief Executive Officer of the Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, Patrick Mbeko Sofohlo has called it a day.

In a statement, the hospital’s Communications Officer, Puseletso Mabidikame said it was an emotional farewell when the hospital management and West Rand District Health Department employees said goodbye, adding that it was an hour of mixed emotions as they celebrated his achievements and appreciated his dedication. Sofohlo was said to have been the longest-serving CEO in Gauteng.

Sofohlo, whom Puseletso described as a man of few words, listened attentively to the heart-warming send-off messages from his colleagues. He said his journey was filled with great achievements and some challenges.

In 1997, he led the strategic team during the provincial grading of Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, previously known as the Paardekraal Hospital, to a level-one institution.

“At that time there was too much tension and some staff had to alter their jobs due to the pressure that came with changes.”

Puseletso added that the situation became stable as staff engagements increased.

When Covid-19 hit Sofohlo’s administrative and leadership expertise assisted in the implementation and restructuring of services by appointing expert leaders to ensure that all processes flowed smoothly.

Sofohlo is a humble leader who preserved a good relationship with all stakeholders, including the staff and the hospital board members.”

He believed in uninterrupted service delivery and served the community with passion.

Sofohlo has two Master’s degrees – one in Public Health from the University of the Witwatersrand, and the other in Public Administration from Rhodes University.

Doctor Mwangi, acting Chief Director of the West Rand District Health Services; Doctor Moloi, CEO of Leratong Hospital; and Jimmy Mapunya, CEO of Sterkfontein Hospital also attended the farewell.

Mwangi said Sofohlo’s commitment and selfless service will forever be remembered.

Diana Ngwenya will be taking the reins as acting CEO until a permanent appointment has been made.