The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal has called on KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu to show bold leadership in the dog fighting between the MEC of Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo and the HOD Dr Sibongile Zungu concerning the controversy surrounding the “appointment” of Ndoda Biyela as CFO in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
“This has laid bare the conflict between MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo and HOD, Dr Sibongile Zungu. MEC Dhlomo is adamant that he does not want to have anything to do with Mr Ndoda Biyela who, according to HOD, Dr Zungu has been appointed as CFO in the Department. Mr Biyela left the Gauteng Department of Health under a dark cloud of alleged misconduct but was readily accepted with open arms by Dr Zungu,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“We also demand that the Premier must clarify to us whether Dr Sibongile Zungu is still employed as the Head of Department or not. We have been championing for her dismissal for a long time which is long overdue. We further demand that a competent and capable individual must be appointed as a new HOD. The morale of health care workers is at an all-time low and service delivery is bound to suffer”, continued Mr Gwala.
“It is said that when the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. We are concerned that while the MEC and his HOD are at logger heads, health care in KZN is suffering. We conducted oversight visits to some health care facilities where we identified serious shortcomings and have reported these to the MEC, but have not received any positive responses or seen any improvements. It is about time that the MEC and HOD settle their differences and focus on providing acceptable health services to communities around our province. We cannot afford to have conflict at the highest level and stand by while our people suffer due to poor management. If the MEC cannot work with the HOD then the Premier must replace one if not both of them if he is serious about health care in the province”, concluded Mr Gwala.
