THE new head of department of Health, Dr Sifiso Mtshali, was announced last week, and his appointment took effect from 1 July.
Dr Mtshali brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to this very challenging and exciting position. He first graduated with a BSc (Chemistry) at the University of Cape Town in 1991 and thereafter pursued studies in medicine, qualifying with an MBCHB in 1996 through MEDUNSA.
His passion for learning also saw him obtaining various additional qualifications such as a Masters in Business Administration (Healthcare Management) from the University of Free State in 2002, a Masters in Health Economics and Pharma-economics (University of Pompeu Fabra, Spain), in 2011, among others. He also attended and successfully completed various clinical and non-clinical programmes, namely, the Advanced Management Programme (Manchester Business School) in 2001, clinical management of HIV/AIDS in 2002 and also qualified as ETDP SETA Assessor (Learning Performance Link) in 2004.
Coupled with approximately 19 years of experience in various fields, several leadership positions in both public and private sector organisations, Dr Mtshali is well equipped to be at the helm of the Department of Health, a department which is complex as it is diverse. His recent completion of a learnership on the universal health coverage run by the World Bank gave him a deeper understanding and perspective of the National Health Insurance especially in the African context, which gears him to play a major role in achieving the NHI objectives in the province.
Dr Mtshali spent the last four years as the Chief Executive Officer of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, where his leadership and management skills saw the hospital sustain high levels of performance and standards of care. Under his leadership the hospital received an accolade at the 2014 Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) awards for the best managed Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country.
Dr Mtshali can be described as a strategist, a leader and a team player. Apart from his academic achievements, he has also acquired many other skills which augur well for his position as Head of Department. Being a hard worker with the ability to work under pressure, embrace change and new challenges stand him in good stead as someone who can be looked up to.
Dr Mtshali is a keen sportsman, who focuses on keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle. Among other things he currently runs half marathons and hopes to do a big race in the future. He also enjoys travelling, reading and watching wild life documentaries.
The MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, together with the senior management team and staff of the department offer Dr Mtshali congratulations on his promotion and wish him all the best in his position as Head of Department.
