The Department of Health wishes to state that there is nothing wrong or leaning towards ‘cadre deployment’ in the appointment of the newly appointed Manager: Gender, Youth and Transformation, Ms Zanele Hlatshwayo.
“Ms Hlatshwayo applied for a post that was open to all citizens of the republic and underwent an intensive selection process which recommended her as a suitable candidate,” says the Acting Head of Department (AHoD), Dr Mandla Mhlongo. “She is a qualified Professional Nurse and Midwife who has served this department for five years at a Primary Healthcare Centre, after which she worked as a teacher at the Pietermaritzburg College before being appointed as a Mayor.”
In these capacities, continues the AHoD, she has worked with youth and women which is a priority area for the department as we face the quadruple burden of diseases. HIV, TB and AIDS as well as maternal and child mortality are critical programmes where we want to mark an impact. “In our appointment we needed a person who understands the youth and women in order to assist the department in coming up with responsive programmes that can turn this tide around.”
The department has not been able to find any criminal conviction or charges relating to the allegations made by the Democratic Alliance against Ms Hlatshwayo as a candidate during the selection process.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
