KZN Health MEC to pay from her own pocket for PR firm hired to address allegations against her

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi has revealed that she hired a private public relations firm because matters being discussed in the public domain about her are unrelated to her role as the political head of the Department, and she will be footing the bill.

This was after questions were raised as to why she used the services of a private firm when she has a large communications team at her disposal.

Among the allegations that surfaced against the MEC were that her family farm received a loan and agricultural support from Ithala Bank, the employment of family members in government positions, and media interference.

KZN Health spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa said: “The MEC chose not to use official government communication channels, as she considered the matters being discussed in the public domain to be of a personal nature and touching on her family and unrelated to her role as the political head of the Health Department. Furthermore, the MEC is personally covering the cost of the PR company’s services. No public funds are being used.”

In a statement, Simelane stated that she resigned from the family business in 2004, four years before the farm was financed through a private loan by Ithala Bank in 2008. She added that her role as Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee began only in 2016, well after the farm was acquired.

On the employment of relatives, she said, her sister’s appointment as the assistant director of human resources in the Department of Health followed a transparent, competitive recruitment process. Her sister was already working within the department, had the relevant qualifications and experience when she applied for the position, and an independent panel conducted the interviews and she had no involvement.

Simelane-Mngadi added that her brother is a qualified finance professional with 15 years of corporate experience and verifiable academic credentials, and is employed as Director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

On media interference, Simelane-Mngadi said she had no involvement in the non-renewal of radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s contract with Vuma FM. The station itself stated in a recent media statement that the decision was made internally, without any external influence.

To further ensure transparency and public trust, she said, a full and detailed report has been submitted to the Premier.

Responding to political opponents who demanded her resignation following the emergence of the allegations, Simelane disputed claims and said she “will not bow to bullying tactics”.

“Leadership should never be determined by threats or intimidation, but by truth, service, and due process. Sadly, bullying and online trolling have become far too common in our society by those seeking to harass and undermine others. I will not bow to those tactics, and I will not allow them to compromise the progress we are making within the province,” Simelane-Mngadi said.

Shannon Henning, managing director at PR Worx, the firm hired by Simelane said, “MEC Nomagugu Simelane is a client in her personal capacity, who engaged our services specifically for this reputational issue, as it is a private concern and not a departmental matter.”

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said he wrote to Simelane-Mngadi enquiring about the allegations, and she has responded. 

“I will now sit down with my team and analyse the responses, and announce the appropriate action thereafter,” Ntuli said. 

gcwalisile.khanyile@inl.co.za