KZN Health Department slams ‘smear campaign’ over hospital appointment
The KZN Department of Health says no wrongdoing occurred in the appointment of a nursing manager at IALCH and that all processes were followed after two failed recruitment attempts.
Image: Picture: Terry Haywood
The KZN Department of Health has condemned claims that a foreign national was improperly appointed as Nursing Manager at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), calling the allegations “false and deliberately misleading.”
The claims were made by an individual calling himself “Mlungisi”, linked to the so-called “MKP Labour Desk”.
In a statement, the department said the accusations formed part of a “malicious smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and the hospital.
According to the department, the Nursing Manager post was advertised twice but “no suitable candidate meeting equity requirements was found”.
After two failed rounds, the position was re-advertised, and Dr. Ndemera , a Critical Care Specialist Nurse with a PhD in Nephrology, was asked to act in the role to ensure continuity.
“Dr. Ndemera has worked at IALCH since before 2015, has lived legally in South Africa for over 25 years, speaks fluent Zulu and Venda, and currently serves as Assistant Nursing Manager for Critical Care,” the department said.
It also made it clear that MEC Simelane “had no involvement in this internal process and had never met Dr. Ndemera before these defamatory posts”.
In addition to the appointment issue, the department denied claims that public funds were misused for a Christmas party.
“The event was funded through declared external sponsorship, and the MEC did not attend,” it said.
“These fabrications are a clear attempt to politicise the health sector and discredit the MEC and the Department,” the statement read.
The department urged the public and media “to treat such misinformation with caution and not give credence to self-appointed ‘news agencies’ with hidden agendas”.
Despite financial pressure across the province, the department said IALCH “remains a centre of excellence under its acting CEO, delivering quality healthcare to the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
“The Department will not be distracted by falsehoods and will pursue all available legal avenues to protect its integrity and that of its officials.”
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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