Umzinyathi District Health has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of seasoned healthcare administrator Khulekan ‘KZ’ Dlamini as district director.

Dlamini is a professional nurse with a postgraduate qualification in executive management and extensive experience within the district health system in KwaZulu-Natal.

He has served at all levels of healthcare, including district executive level, across four districts in the province.

Dlamini began his career in the uMkhanyakude District, where he held several roles, including professional nurse, district trainer, district primary healthcare co-ordinator, tuberculosis programme co-ordinator and chief executive officer of Hlabisa Hospital.

He later moved to the Zululand District, where he served as a clinical nurse practitioner, nursing manager, clinical and programmes manager, and chief executive officer at Benedictine Hospital.

Experienced leader takes helm of district health services

His leadership experience also includes serving as chief executive officer at Newcastle Regional Hospital in the Amajuba District and at Ladysmith Regional Hospital in the uThukela District.

Speaking about his new role, Dlamini said he aims to build on the district’s existing strengths.

“The position provides an opportunity to offer strategic leadership across the four sub-districts of Msinga, Mvoti, Endumeni and Nquthu. I acknowledge the legacy of excellence left by my predecessors and commit to sustaining the progress achieved,” he said.

He added that improving the quality of care and patient experience would be a key priority.

“I pledge my commitment to teamwork. A united district management team will ensure that we deliver on the Department of Health’s service mandate,” he said.

Dlamini also highlighted the impact of external challenges such as climate change, economic pressures and social issues, noting that a multi-sectoral approach would be essential to improving health outcomes.

He said collaboration with stakeholders, civil society and other government departments would play a crucial role in achieving the district’s goals.

“Meeting the targets set out in the annual performance plan will remain a top priority as we work towards the broader objectives of the National Development Plan,” he said.

Dlamini expressed confidence in the district’s staff, saying their professionalism and dedication would help drive the achievement of strategic goals.