​By Phumelele Khumalo
In an effort to strengthen service delivery and consolidate governance structures within the Gauteng Department of Health, the National Department of Health has seconded Dr Sibongile Zulu to act as Head of Department (AHoD) from, 01 July 2021.
Dr Zungu resumes her duties as the province battles the COVID-19 third wave driven by the rampant Delta variant.
Her many years of experience in the health sector includes working as acting head of the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape; former head the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal; Deputy Director General at Health and Social Services in Mpumalanga.
She is no stranger to Gauteng Health as she previously worked as a CEO of Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital as well as Clinical Manager at Sebokeng Hospital.
Dr Zungu received qualifications in various disciplines from institutions including: University of KwaZulu-Natal; Harvard University; University of Zululand and Medunsa.
In welcoming Dr Zungu, Gauteng MEC for Health, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi expressed confidence in her capabilities to take the Department to the next level.
She said: "Dr Zungu brings with her a wealth of health sector experience to the Department.  She was recently seconded to the Eastern Cape Province where she worked with the Department of Health and managed to enforce stability."
 "I urge all officials to work closely with the new acting Head of Department, offer her support in the efforts to accelerate health services delivery in the Department," said MEC Mokgethi. 
The Chief Operations Officer, Mr Lesiba Malotana who has been acting in the position for the past eight months wished Dr Zungu well in her new role.
"You will find a committed team that is ready to work with you.  The team has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 and is still working tirelessly," he assured the new AHoD.