​Koketso Maraba
 
The Gauteng Department of Health recently held its annual Clinical Management Training Programme aimed at strengthening the leadership and management skills of clinical managers across the province. This ongoing initiative plays an important role in supporting healthcare professionals and improving service delivery in public health facilities.
Over the course of three days, both virtual and in-person sessions were offered to current and acting clinical managers, particularly those new to the role or seeking a refresher. The training focused on key areas such as leadership development, clinical governance, resource management, and accountability.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, highlighted the vital role clinical managers play in ensuring well-run hospitals. "A hospital without a strong Clinical Manager is like a body without a backbone," she said. "You are the anchor of clinical governance." She also encouraged collaboration with hospital CEOs, emphasising that strong, united leadership is essential for success.
"These trainings are not just about gaining knowledge," she said. "They're also about building networks, sharing best practices, and helping managers find their place within the wider health system." The Department aims to create a healthcare environment that is patient-focused, clinically guided, and supported by skilled and committed professionals.
Dr.  Zoleka Ngcwabe, from head office highlighted the programme's impact, "These trainings are for personal development, creating a network and collaboration amongst clinical managers in Gauteng, sharing of best practices, and for the Department to use the programme to induct clinical managers into the system. Training is meant to strengthen a patient-centred, clinically led, and stakeholder-supported Department."
Clinical managers were introduced to six core management functions planning, organising, leading, staffing, financing, and controlling, which are essential for managing within the public health sector. The programme also encouraged managers to lead Morbidity and Mortality meetings, strengthen governance structures, and improve the reporting of patient safety incidents.
Bonginkosi Shongwe, Acting CEO of Thelle Mogoerane Hospital, emphasised the vital role of clinical managers in bridging healthcare policy and frontline service delivery. He stressed that effective leadership cannot happen from behind a desk. Instead, clinical managers must be present on the ground, observing operations, engaging with staff, and ensuring that services are aligned with health system goals. "You are the critical link and your presence, oversight, and action are key to delivering safe, efficient, and patient-centred care," he noted.
With the province preparing for the rollout of National Health Insurance, the training is part of broader efforts to ensure that clinical managers are equipped to take on leadership roles in a changing healthcare system. "When you lead with respect, fairness, and commitment, you inspire the whole team," the MEC said.
The Clinical Management Training Programme reflects the Department's ongoing commitment to developing its workforce and improving healthcare services across Gauteng.