10 August 2007
Following the press conference by the former Deputy Minister of Health, Ms
Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, the Department of Health believes it necessary to
correct the wrong information provided to the media with regard to the Minister
and the Department of Health.
Allegations that information relating to Madlala-Routledge has been removed
from the Department of Health's website:
* These allegations are not true. Her resume, speeches and position in the
organogram are still available and can be accessed on http://www.doh.gov.za. (Check sub-sections:
Ministry; Department; and media-room).
* The information on the Ministry and organogram subsections will be updated at
an appropriate time.
Allegations that Madlala-Routledge was told she was going to be "fixed
up":
* We have confirmed with the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang,
that no such statement was ever made.
* There are structures both in government and in the ruling party (ANC) where
Madlala-Routledge could have reported such an incident if it was true. She
chose not to use any of these avenues.
Allegations that she had been sidelined in the Department:
* There are regular meetings where all policy and other issues relating to the
Department of Health are discussed and Madlala-Routledge was always invited to
attend.
* These meetings include regular Core-Group meetings (which includes the
Minister, Deputy Minister and the Director-General and other senior managers)
and the National Health Council (made up of Minister, Deputy Minister, MECs and
Heads of provincial health departments).
* Madlala-Routledge was often absent and, in many cases, without even tendering
an apology. On the few occasions that she was present, she would mostly be
attending to her mobile phone while the discussions were underway.
Allegations that AIDS programmes will be undermined by Madlala-Routledge's
departure
* The Ministry and Department of Health remains committed to the implementation
of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on HIV and AIDS for 2007-2011 which guides
our response to HIV and AIDS.
* The Ministry is determined to do everything possible to increase access to
prevention, care and treatment programmes. We are pulling all stops in working
towards achieving the targets outlined in the NSP with regard to the reduction
of new infections and increasing access to care and treatment.
Contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
10 August 2007
