28 December 2004
The National Department of Health wishes to congratulate Precious Matsoso on her appointment to the prestigious position at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva.
Matsoso - who will be taking up the vacancy for the WHO Technical Cooperation For Essential Drugs and Traditional Medicine - is currently the Registrar of the Department's drug regulatory authority - the Medicines Control Council chairperson.
For someone with her experience and skill in the health sector and who has also served the Department so impeccably - her departure is going to be a big loss.
But it is our firm believe that Ms Matsoso would still be serving her country by occupying such an influential position at an international level.
This is in line with the Department's goal: to continue to pursue regional and international initiatives especially in relation to the major health threats that face us.
Her serving in the portfolio that deals with traditional medicine will no doubt have a direct bearing on the Department and the country as a whole - given its relevance to the country's health environment.
While Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang expressed regret at loosing someone of Matsoso's calibre and expertise she also welcomed her appointment adding that she is proud to see her occupy such a key international position.
The Minister has issued instructions to expedite the process to ensure that the vacancy is advertised and the new appointment is effected as soon as possible.
Regarding reports that the post of the new head of the HIV and AIDS Unit remains vacant - the Department wishes to emphasise that these reports are untrue and misleading.
The incumbent to the new position has been appointed and will assume duty on January 3rd 2005.
The Department of Health welcomes Dr Nomonde Xundu - previously with the Gauteng Provincial Health Department - to her new position as Cluster Manager: HIV, AIDS and STI and we are confident she will continue to add value towards quality health service in this country.
END
Issued by the National Department of Health
Chief Directorate: Communications
Enquiries: Solly Mabotha @ 083 678 9860