The bridge between the health department and the media

Gauteng Department of Health (GDH) (GDH) Spokesperson, Steve Mabona (43), took some time to talk to us more about his position and his life.

Mabona took the Northcliff Melville Times through the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Coronationville, along with assistant manger for nursing at the hospital, Flossie Scott.

Mabona, who has been spokesperson for the department since April last year, knows all about the health sector. He was very proud to boast about the hospital and talk about its successes as well as the success of the department.

Mabona, who is originally from KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga, was head of communications at the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) before he worked at the department. He studied communications and political science at the University of Zululand . Mabona said he actually stumbled into the communications area but has easily adapted to the health sector. “I may come across as arrogant but I am actually just straight forward and a jolly person,” he laughed. He admitted that people usually make him out to be bossy but he is passionate about everything he does.

Mabona said the media must understand that we are all people and mistakes happen. “Nurses are human too, but I am confident to say that 98 percent of health professionals are doing a great job,” he said. He added that a perfect example is the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital where about 2 000 babies are born every month and there is rarely a birth fatality. He described himself as a bridge between the GDH and the media and he would like the media to see more of the positive work that is done by the department and understand the processes within the health sector.

Outside of work, Mabona is the president of The Sopranos Biking Club and a proud owner of a Harley Davidson. He is also a Comrades Marathon runner for the fifth year. “I am very big on running; I practice for the Comrades by running four to 10km from Mondays to Thursdays. I used to be overweight and thought I might have a heart attack,” he said. It was at that point when he decided to eat healthier and exercise.

Mabona, who has a wife and three children, admitted that his job is very demanding but he has found a strategy to work around it. “My family understands that I work on most days and they are very supportive,” he said. He pointed out that every day is a learning curve and said he has gained much knowledge from the Gauteng MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu. “Every day is a challenge and there is no dull moment at the department,” he concluded.

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