RUSTENBURG – The MEC for Health in the North West, Mr Sello Lehari, has officially introduced and welcomed the newly appointed Superintendent General (Head of Department), Dr Thami Matshego, during a Departmental Executive Committee meeting held in Rustenburg. Dr Matshego’s appointment by the Premier marks a significant milestone for the Department as it strengthens leadership and governance to improve health service delivery across the province.

Welcoming the new HOD, MEC Lehari expressed confidence in Dr Matshego’s capabilities, highlighting her strong academic background and extensive leadership experience in both provincial entities and local government. “We are confident that Dr Matshego’s appointment marks a new chapter of stability, leadership and progress for the Department. She brings a wealth of experience and a strong academic foundation that positions her well to lead the transformation of our health system,” said MEC Lehari. He further emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration within the Department during this transition.

“We are handing over the new Superintendent General to the management, and equally entrusting the management to her leadership. This calls for mutual respect, teamwork and a shared commitment to improving healthcare services for our people,” he added.

Dr Matshego holds a B Tech in Environmental Health, a Master of Public Health specialising in Occupational and Environmental Health, and a PhD in Environmental Management focusing on climate change adaptation. Her professional experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, as well as executive roles in Mogale City and Rand West City Local Municipalities, among others. In her remarks, Dr. Matshego underscored the importance of a unified vision and results-driven leadership.

“We need to have a shared purpose which will help us achieve what we are here for. I am result-driven. I am not good in speaking, but more in showing the works of my hands. Building institutional capacity and working with everyone to advance this purpose is one of my strengths,” said Dr. Matshego. She further committed to strengthening the Department’s performance by focusing on key areas requiring attention. “We will identify areas that need improvement and give them the necessary attention to ensure that we deliver better outcomes for our communities,” she said. Dr. Matshego also expressed her support for key departmental programmes championed by the MEC.

“I am impressed by programmes such as Re Bona ka Matlho, Kopano ke Matla, and the Tshela ka Itekanelo campaign. These are initiatives I fully support as they align with our goal of improving health outcomes,” she added. MEC Lehari also took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank senior executives who have acted in the position of Superintendent General, including Dr. Madipuo Tlhogane, Ms Mokhutshwane-Kaudi, Mr Jannie De Beer, and Mr Polaki Mokatsane, for ensuring stability and continuity within the Department during the transition period.

The Department has committed to ensuring a structured handover process, led by Acting Superintendent General Mr Mokatsane, as well as a comprehensive orientation and induction programme to support Dr. Matshego in her new role. Ends Issued by: North West Department of Health