Gauteng Health Refutes Claims of Foreign Nationals Leading West Rand Hospitals

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has strongly denied allegations circulating on social media that foreign nationals are leading hospitals in the West Rand District. The department has clarified that all four hospitals in the district are managed by South African nationals, urging the public to verify facts before spreading misinformation.

False Claims on Social Media

The controversy began when African Transformation Movement (ATM) MP Vuyo Zungula claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the top management of West Rand hospitals comprised foreign nationals, sidelining South African doctors.

“This is the problem. The top 3 management of the hospitals in West Rand. There is not a single South African,” Zungula posted.

The post sparked widespread debate, prompting the GDoH to issue a statement refuting the claims.

Leadership Confirmed as South African

In its statement, the GDoH identified the leaders of the four hospitals in the West Rand District, confirming that all are South African nationals:

• Dr Dieketseng Moloi: Leratong Hospital
• Dr Rodney Pheto: Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital
• Mr Jimmy Mapunya: Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital
• Mr Josias Naidoo: Carletonville Hospital

The department emphasized that these individuals are highly qualified and experienced professionals dedicated to providing quality healthcare services.

Specialists’ Status Clarified

The GDoH also addressed concerns about two medical specialists mentioned in Zungula’s post:

• Dr Egbert Wenegieme
• Dr Nneka Jamie Ohanson

Both specialists are permanent residents of South Africa and serve as highly qualified medical specialists and family physicians. The department clarified that they are not involved in the administrative management of the hospitals but play critical roles in clinical leadership and governance.

Chief Director’s Nationality Verified

The statement also confirmed that Thembokuhle Karigani, the Chief Director of the West Rand District Health Services, is a South African national. While Karigani is married to an African citizen, the GDoH stressed that this does not affect her nationality or eligibility to serve in her role.

“She is qualified and has extensive experience in the field,” the department stated.

Call for Responsible Information Sharing

The GDoH expressed concern over the impact of misinformation, urging the public to exercise caution and verify facts through credible sources before sharing unverified claims.

“The GDoH remains committed to delivering quality healthcare services to the residents of the West Rand without the distractions caused by misinformation,” the statement read.

The department emphasized the importance of fact-checking to prevent potential harm to individuals targeted by false allegations.

The Gauteng Department of Health’s swift response to these claims highlights the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. By confirming the nationality of hospital leaders and addressing specific allegations, the GDoH has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and quality healthcare delivery.

As the public navigates an era of rapid information sharing, the incident serves as a reminder to prioritize accuracy and responsibility in online discourse.

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