KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has strongly denounced what she describes as a coordinated campaign of online misinformation and character attacks targeting her and her family.
The KZN Health MEC confirmed that while she has taken time to respond publicly, it was because her focus remained firmly on delivering the provincial health budget—a critical task for the department and its service delivery mandate.
With the budget successfully tabled, she believes it is necessary to address the recent wave of false claims and restore public confidence.
These defamatory allegations have been based on falsified content, manipulated timelines, or entirely unfounded rumours. Simelane noted that the timing and volume of the allegations, all surfacing simultaneously, are neither accidental nor organic.
Instead, they appear to form part of a deliberate political smear campaign intended to distract from the progress made within the public healthcare sector.
“The timing of all these baseless accusations surfacing together is no coincidence. They are part of calculated efforts to deliberately tarnish my reputation. I have been in public service since 2004, and my 21-year track record speaks for itself. I have the same right as any citizen to defend my name, to stop the spread of lies, to protect my reputation, and to safeguard the integrity of my office and the important work it represents for the people of KwaZulu-Natal, which is exactly what I’m doing.”
~ Nomagugu Simelane, KZN Health MEC
KZN Health MEC Upholds Constitutional Healthcare Rights
Responding to criticism about undocumented immigrants receiving treatment in public hospitals, the KZN Health MEC reaffirmed that South Africa’s Constitution guarantees access to emergency healthcare for all individuals, regardless of nationality.
She stated that while resource constraints continue to challenge the system, denying emergency medical care based on nationality would be unlawful and unethical.
The Department of Health remains committed to delivering care fairly and consistently, within the bounds of the law.
“I agree that illegal immigration is a serious problem in our country, but we cannot turn away human beings in need of medical treatment. Denying emergency medical care based on nationality would not only be inhumane but also unlawful.”
~ Nomagugu Simelane, KZN Health MEC
She strongly condemns any form of action, including road blockages or hospital disruptions, that endanger lives, while acknowledging and respecting lawful protests.
KZN Health MEC Refutes Media Interference
Contrary to false reports and targeted disinformation attempts, the MEC had no involvement in the non-renewal of radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s contract with Vuma FM.
The station confirmed that it made the decision as part of its internal HR processes, without any external influence.
“I respect media freedom, but this freedom comes with legal and ethical responsibility to report fairly and accurately. When false allegations are spread, I have the same right as any citizen to defend my name.”
~ Nomagugu Simelane, KZN Health MEC
The MEC has since taken legal action to protect her reputation and the integrity of her office, following the vilification attempts made by specific individuals online.
Simelane acts on her constitutional right to defend herself, and her actions do not attempt to silence legitimate journalism.
Farm Loan and Agricultural Support Clarified
Critics have raised unfounded concerns about her family’s purchase of a farm. The family financed the farm through a loan from Ithala Bank in 2008, granted four years after Simelane resigned from the family business in 2004, and years before she became Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee in June 2016.
In 2008, she was serving as a junior official in an entirely separate department without any input into or influence over Ithala Bank’s loan approval processes.
The facts of the matter remain clear and verifiable:
- Ithala Bank financed the farm with a private loan in 2008.
- MEC Simelane stepped down from the family business in 2004, four years before the bank issued the loan.
- She began her role as Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee in 2016, well after the acquisition of the farm
Her family further applied for routine agricultural support from the Department of Agriculture on several other occasions over the years, all through standard application procedures.
These applications were adjudicated by independent technical panels, without any involvement from elected officials. While the farm remains a separate family business, Simelane is not shying away from the facts. To further ensure transparency and public trust, a complete and detailed report has been submitted to the Premier.
In response to political opponents who have leveraged the claims to demand her resignation, Simelane strongly refuted the allegations, saying 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.”
~ Nomagugu Simelane, KZN Health MEC
Family Employment Allegations Debunked by KZN Health MEC
Additional claims have suggested that the KZN Health MEC used her position to influence the employment of family members. These are also false.
- 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 and had the relevant qualifications and experience when she applied for the position.
- An independent panel conducted the interviews, and the MEC had no involvement.
- 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.
Simelane said the accusations of fraudulent CVs or preferential treatment are not only unsubstantiated but deeply offensive to the many black professionals who have earned their positions through merit and hard work.
Focused on Service Delivery
“South Africa deserves leadership that is focused on service delivery, not to be preoccupied by political games and agendas. I will not be drawn into distractions or tomfoolery. I will not play politics with people’s lives. I will continue to do what I have done since 2004: serve with dignity, lead with humility, and strive for a stronger, fairer, and more dignified healthcare system in KwaZulu‑Natal”
~ Nomagugu Simelane, KZN Health MEC
As online narratives grow more personal and defamatory, the MEC affirms her continued commitment to public service and delivery.
Despite these distractions, the Department of Health continues to focus on expanding service access, improving healthcare infrastructure, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
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