KZN Health MEC responds to damning allegations
Image: Supplied
KWAZULU-NATAL Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has denounced what she describes as a coordinated campaign of online misinformation and character attacks targeting her and her family.
The MEC confirmed that while she has taken time to respond publicly, it was because her focus remained firmly on delivering the provincial health budget - a critical task for the department and its service delivery mandate. Now that the budget has been tabled, she believed it was necessary to address the recent wave of "false claims and restore public confidence".
Simelane, through a statement released by a public relations agency said, "the defamatory allegations have been based on falsified content, manipulated timelines, or entirely unfounded rumours".
She noted that the timing and volume of the allegations, all surfacing simultaneously, were neither accidental nor organic, saying they appeared to form part of a deliberate political smear campaign intended to distract from the progress made within the public healthcare sector.
'The timing of all these baseless accusations surfacing together is no coincidence. They are part of calculated efforts to deliberately tarnish my reputation,' she said.
'I have been in public service since 2004, and my 21-year track record speaks for itself. I have the same right as any citizen to defend my name, to stop the spread of lies, to protect my reputation, and to safeguard the integrity of my office and the important work it represents for the people of KwaZulu-Natal, which is exactly what I'm doing.'
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Upholding the Constitution and healthcare rights
Responding to criticism about undocumented immigrants receiving treatment in public hospitals, Simelane reaffirmed that South Africa's Constitution guarantees access to emergency healthcare for all individuals, regardless of nationality.
She stated that while resource constraints continue to challenge the system, denying emergency medical care based on nationality would be unlawful and unethical. The Department of Health remains committed to delivering care fairly and consistently, within the bounds of the law.
'I agree that illegal immigration is a serious problem in our country, but we cannot turn away human beings in need of medical treatment. Denying emergency medical care based on nationality would not only be inhumane but also unlawful.'
Although lawful protests are acknowledged and respected, she condemned any form of action, including road blockages or hospital disruptions, that endangered lives.
Refuting media interference
The MEC said she had no involvement in the non-renewal of radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract with Vuma FM. The station itself confirmed that the decision was made as part of its internal HR processes, with no external influence.
'I respect media freedom, but this freedom comes with legal and ethical responsibility to report fairly and accurately. When false allegations are spread, I have the same right as any citizen to defend my name,' Simelane said.
She has since taken legal action to protect her reputation and the integrity of her office, following the vilification attempts made by certain individuals online. These actions are rooted in Simelane's constitutional right to defend herself and do not constitute an attempt to silence legitimate journalism.
Farm loan and agricultural support clarified
Unfounded critiques around her family's purchase of a farm have also been raised. The farm was financed through a loan from Ithala Bank in 2008, which was granted four years after Simelane had resigned from the family business in 2004, and years before she became Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee in June 2016. In 2008, she was serving as a junior official in an entirely separate department without any input into or influence over Ithala Bank's loan approval processes.
The facts of the matter remain clear and verifiable: The farm was financed through a private loan by Ithala Bank in 2008.
MEC Simelane resigned from the family business in 2004, four years before the loan was issued.
Her role as Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee began only in 2016, well after the farm was acquired.
Her family further applied for routine agricultural support from the Department of Agriculture on several other occasions over the years, all through standard application procedures. These applications were adjudicated by independent technical panels, without any involvement from elected officials. While the farm remains a separate family business, Simelane is not shying away from the facts. To further ensure transparency and public trust, a full and detailed report has been submitted to the Premier.
In response to political opponents who have leveraged the claims to demand her resignation, Simelane strongly refuted the allegations, saying she will not bow to bullying tactics.
'Leadership should never be determined by threats or intimidation, but by truth, service, and due process. Sadly, bullying and online trolling have become far too common in our society by those seeking to harass and undermine others. I will not bow to those tactics, and I will not allow them to compromise the progress we are making within the province.'
Family employment allegations
Additional claims have suggested that the MEC used her position to influence the employment of family members. These are also false. Her sister's appointment as the Assistant Director of Human Resources in the Department of Health followed a transparent, competitive recruitment process.
Her sister was already working within the department, and had the relevant qualifications and experience when she applied for the position.
An independent panel conducted the interviews, and the MEC had no involvement.
Her brother is a qualified finance professional with 15 years of corporate experience and verifiable academic credentials, and is employed as Director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Simelane said the accusations of fraudulent CVs or preferential treatment are not only unsubstantiated, but deeply offensive to the many black professionals who have earned their positions through merit and hard work.
Focused on service delivery
As online narratives grow more personal and defamatory, Simelane affirmed her continued commitment to public service and delivery.
Despite these distractions, the Department of Health continues to focus on expanding service access, improving healthcare infrastructure, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
'South Africa deserves leadership that is focused on service delivery, not to be preoccupied by political games and agendas. I will not be drawn into distractions or tomfoolery. I will not play politics with people's lives. I will continue to do what I have done since 2004: serve with dignity, lead with humility, and strive for a stronger, fairer, and more dignified healthcare system in KwaZulu-Natal,' Simelane concluded.
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