Phaahla appoints new health ombud

Mokoena took up his new position on Thursday.

He succeeds Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, whose seven-year term of office came to an end on Wednesday.

Phaahla lauded Mokoena as an outstanding South African medical scholar who has travelled around the world to showcase the quality of South Africa's academic prowess.

“He is a medical graduate of the University of Natal, D.Phil graduate of University of Oxford and a fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow," the minister said. 

Makgoba was appointed as the country's first health ombud by former health minister Aaron Motsoaledi in June 2016 for a non-renewable term of seven years.

Phaahla said Makgoba faced a daunting task of establishing the office.

“Professor Makgoba, since assuming office, has displayed his patriotism and commitment to the creation of an improved healthcare service in the country, by impartially and with no favour or prejudice, investigating complaints brought to his office and made recommendations that are invaluable to the health system in the country.

“Some of the major investigations conducted under his leadership include Life Esidimeni involving mental health patients, Tembisa Hospital and the recent Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital, which bear testimony to the intent to want to assist the government and the public to build the durable health system.”

Phaahla believes the country’s healthcare system owes a debt of gratitute to Makgoba.

“We are glad that he managed to set up systems which we believe his successor will be able to continue with good work he left behind.”

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