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By Phumelele Khumalo
Gauteng Department of Health has suffered another blow following the untimely passing of Chief Director: West Rand Health District, Puleng Muso.
Those who worked closely with Muso have described her as someone who executed her role with unsurpassed dedication and professionalism.
Muso has been with the Department for 30 years, in which she served as a professional nurse and various management positions before she became the head of West Rand Health District.
She qualified as a nurse in 1981 and has over the years obtained other qualifications including: Psychiatric Nursing; Degree in Nursing Science and a post-graduate diploma in Public Health.
The Gauteng MEC for Health, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi paid tribute to Muso hailing her as an exemplary leader.
"Muso was a dedicated and committed healthcare worker and civil servant.  It is not surprising that over the years she rose up the ranks to become one of the senior managers in the department."
The MEC added that the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the district will never be the same without Muso.
"She leaves behind a legacy of exemplary leadership that was deeply rooted in ensuring the delivery of better healthcare services to the West Rand Community," concluded MEC Mokgethi.
Passing her condolences, Acting Head of Gauteng Health Department, Dr Sibongile Zungu said: "It is sad and heart-breaking to lose two senior people who have been central to our COVID-19 response in the department in such a short space of time."
"We have to somehow find strength to honour their memory by ensuring that, difficult as it may be, we continue where they left off," added Dr Zungu.
Memorial service as well as funeral details will be shared as soon as they are available.