SEDIBENG.- Gauteng Premier, David Makhura has appointed Dr Nomonde Nolutshungu as the Head of the Gauteng Department of Health with effect from Monday 25 April.

A statement issued by the Gauteng Department of Health said that Dr Nolutshungu, a Medical Doctor by profession, has close to thirty years’ experience working in the public healthcare system at provincial and national level.

“She is known for her skills and experience in public health policy development, programme design and results-oriented execution.”

Prior to her appointment to the provincial government, Dr Nolutshungu was the Minister Counsellor for health (Health Attaché) in Washington district of Columbia, USA. Her responsibilities included managing and leading South Africa’s diplomacy on Global Public Health with the government of the United States, its agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, and large philanthropic organisations. She also worked as Chief Director and Cluster Manager for HIV, AIDS, TB and STIs at the national Department of Health, where she led and managed the national response to HIV, AIDS, TB and STI’s.

Her career history also includes technical advisor and manager in the Gauteng Department of Health, as well as Medical Practitioner and Registrar. Nolutshungu holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) from the University of Witwatersrand, a graduate Diploma and Certificate in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, also attained from the University of Witwatersrand. She is currently registered for an MSc in Medical Immunology at the University of Pretoria. Dr Nolutshungu replaces Dr Sibongile Zungu who had been acting in the position from July 2021. Makhura thanked Dr Zungu for steering the Department of Health and wishes her well in her future endeavours.

“The Premier congratulates Dr Nolutshungu and wishes her well in her new responsibilities.”