Vision

Consistent safe and quality healthcare for all.

Mission

We monitor and enforce health care safety and quality standards in health establishments independently, impartially, fairly, and fearlessly on behalf of healthcare users. 

Values

OHSC has adopted the following corporate values, which serve as guiding principles around which its corporate culture and actions are governed and shaped. The OHSC’s values are grounded in strong ethical considerations. As a result, OHSC staff members are required to maintain the highest standards of proper conduct and integrity at all times and to ensure that there is no doubt as to what is required. To this end, the OHSC has developed a set of core values.

Mandate

The OHSC has been created by the National Health Amendment Act of 2013 and, in terms of section 78 of the Act, the objects of the Office are to protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services by:

  • Monitoring and enforcing compliance by health establishments with norms and standards prescribed by the Minister of Health in relation to the national health system.
  • Ensuring consideration, investigation and disposal of complaints relating to non-compliance with prescribed norms and standards for health establishments in a procedurally fair, economical and expeditious manner.

The term health establishment refers to both public and private healthcare services and facilities (see formal definition below). It includes hospitals and primary healthcare clinics and extends to emergency medical services, hospices, private medical practices and institutions offering frail care.

The functions of the OHSC are set out in Section 29 of the Act which states that the Office must:

  • Advise the Minister of Health on determining norms and standards that are to be prescribed for the national health system and on the review of such norms and standards.
  • Inspect and certify health establishments as compliant or non-compliant with prescribed norms and standards or, where appropriate, withdraw such certification.
  • Investigate complaints relating to breaches of prescribed norms and standards.
  • Monitor indicators of risk to develop an early warning system related to serious breaches of norms and standards and report breaches to the Minister without delay.
  • Make recommendations for intervention by national, provincial or municipal health departments or by individual health establishments to ensure compliance with prescribed norms and standards.
  • Publish information relating to prescribed norms and standards through the media and, where appropriate, to specific communities
  • Recommend to the Minister quality assurance and management systems for the national health system.

The Act states that the Office may also:

  • Issue guidelines to help health establishments implement the prescribed norms and standards.
  • Request or collect any information on prescribed norms and standards from health establishments and health service users.
  • Liaise with and exchange information with other regulatory authorities on matters of common interest and specific complaints or investigations.
  • Negotiate co-operative agreements with any regulatory authority in order to co-ordinate and harmonise their work where their jurisdictions are closely related.

 

The OHSC is listed as a national public entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act.

Definitions

In terms of the National Health Act:

The national health system is the South African system that comprises both public and private sector entities that are concerned with the financing, provision or delivery of health services.

A health establishment is a public or private institution, facility, building or place, or part thereof, that is operated or designed to provide in-patient or out-patient treatment, diagnostic or therapeutic interventions, nursing, rehabilitative, palliative, convalescent, preventive or other health services.

Main Areas of Work

The work of OHSC is structured around the following four key areas:

1. Compliance Inspectorate, Certification and Enforcement: This programme manages the inspection of health establishments to assess compliance with national health systems, norms and standards, certify health establishments as compliant or non-compliant with prescribed norms and standards and take enforcement action against non-compliant health establishments. This process will also consider information from the Complaints Centre and reports of the Early Warning System.

2. Health Standard Design, Analysis and Support: It provides a high-level technical, analytical and educational support to the mandate of the Office in relation to the research, development and analysis of norms and standards; and support, capacity building and establishment of communication networks with stakeholders.

3. Complaints management and Office of the Health Ombud: It aims to consider, investigate and dispose of complaints relating to non-compliance with prescribed norms and standards in a procedurally fair, economical and expeditious manner.

4. Corporate Services: it aims to provide the financial, human resources, IT and administrative support necessary for the OHSC to deliver on its mandate and comply with all relevant legislative requirements.

Organisational Structure

OHSC Organisational Structure

Early Warning System Indicators

History

The OHSC has its roots in the National Health Act of 2003 which recognised the need to foster good quality health services and made provision for an “Office of Standards Compliance” to be created within the Department of Health (DOH). It also provided for inspectorates of health establishments to be established in all provinces.

The Act envisaged that the office set up within the DOH would play a dual role: it would advise on how to improve quality of care as well monitoring and reporting on non-compliance with health standards. This office was established as a cluster of DOH in 2008 and played an active role in driving quality assurance systems in the public health sector.

This cluster also co-ordinated the development of a comprehensive set of National Core Standards for Health Establishments (NCS). The process involved extensive consultation and piloting of the NCS before they were finally adopted by the National Health Council as policy, applicable in all provinces. Detailed tools for measuring compliance with the NCS were subsequently developed and health establishments began to self-evaluate using these tools.

However, even as the Office within the department was taking shape and generating national standards, broader health policy evolved and it became clear that there was a need for an independent body to certify health establishments in both the public and private sectors. This was especially relevant in the light of the 2011 decision to introduce a system of national health insurance over the course of the next 14 years and create a national health insurance fund which would purchase services only from certified healthcare providers.

The internal office became the springboard for the creation of this independent regulator, the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC). Drawing on international best practice and insights from various regulatory bodies in South Africa, the office assisted in the drafting of the relevant legislation and developed a business case for the envisaged OHSC.

In addition, a national inspectorate of health establishments was set up within the DOH in 2011. The intention was that members of the inspectorate would transfer to the OHSC once the legislative process had been concluded and the OHSC had been created as a public entity.

A dedicated training course was developed for inspectors, and senior members of the team had opportunity to undergo additional training at the Care Quality Commission in the United Kingdom.

From 2012 to March 2015, the inspectorate conducted over 1 000 inspections of clinics, health centres, hospitals and district health offices as part of their preparation and training. While relevant health establishments participated voluntarily in this process and the DOH lacked the authority to certify compliant establishments, the progress was extremely valuable because it:

  • Provided an indication of the overall level of performance of health establishments in the public health system in relation to NCS.
  • Produced extremely useful information on the adequacy of the NCS for measuring quality of care. This knowledge is being applied in the drafting of the first regulations on norms and standards.
  • Gave health establishments a foretaste of the inspection process and how this could be used constructively to guide quality improvement.

The above developments ensured that, when the National Health Amendment Act was promulgated in 2013, giving birth to the OHSC, there was fairly widespread understanding in the healthcare sector of the concept of certification against prescribed standards.

OHSC Board

The OHSC functions under control of a Board appointed by the Minister of Health in terms of the National Health Amendment Act of 2013.

The Board is the accounting authority of the Office and is responsible for determining the policy of the OHSC and undertaking strategic planning for the functions of the Office.

The Act specifies that the Board should consist of seven to twelve members. Most members are selected on the basis of specific expertise and experience in various areas of healthcare, the law, finance and economics, the private and public healthcare systems, and quality assurance. One member represents organised labour and one is a representative of civil society organisations.

The Minister makes the final selection of members from individuals nominated by institutions of higher learning, civil society organisations, trade unions and other organisations in response to adverts in the Government Gazette and national press.

The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the OHSC are ex officio members of the Board.

Chairperson: Dr Molefe Kenoshi

Dr Molefe Ernest Kenoshi is a highly accomplished healthcare professional with extensive experience in hospital management, human resource management, financial management, and healthcare governance.

Dr Kenoshi earned his M.B.,Ch.B from the University of Natal in 1976. He then pursued further education and obtained a DTM& H from the University of Witwatersrand in 1995. He also holds an Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Management from the University of Pretoria (2003) and a Certificate in Improving the Quality of Health Services from Harvard University (2015). In 2015, Dr Ernest completed a master’s in public health (MPH) with a focus on Hospital Management from the University of Witwatersrand.

Dr Kenoshi began his career as a medical practitioner before transitioning to hospital management. He has held several senior positions in the healthcare sector, including Business Development Consultant/Manager and Hospital Manager at Clinix Health Group, where he worked from July 2018 to December 2019. He then became the Chief Operations Officer at Clinix Health Group in January 2020. Dr Kenoshi’s most significant role was as the Chief Executive Officer of Steve Biko Academic Hospital from September 2001 to December 2017.

Dr Kenoshi has contributed to the healthcare sector through his publications and involvement in professional organizations. He co-authored a chapter in the book “South African Health Reform: Moving towards Universal Coverage,” published in May 2015. He was also appointed by the National Department of Health as a member of the National Organizing Committee for the 40th International Hospital Federation conference held in Durban in 2016. Dr Kenoshi was appointed Acting Head of the Gauteng Department of Health from February 2017 to February 2018 by the Premier of Gauteng. He is a dedicated healthcare professional who has made a significant impact on the healthcare sector in South Africa.

Vice – Chairperson: Dr. Reno Morar

Dr Reno Morar is currently the Head and Director of the School of Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.

He is a Public Health Medicine Specialist and Executive Coach.  He holds a medical degree (MBChB) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal; and postgraduate qualifications in public health (MMed Public Health Medicine, UCT and Fellowship of the College of Public Health Medicine of South Africa).  In management, his qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Management, Economics and Financial Planning (UCT); and a Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Coaching Practice (University of Stellenbosch Business School).

Reno was appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the University of Cape Town from 2019 to 2023 having served the University since 2008 in various positions in the Faculty of Health Sciences including Health Services Advisor to the Dean, Deputy-Dean of Health Services and Human Resources, Acting Deputy-Dean of Faculty Operations, and as Acting Dean. He has served as a Board member of several Non-Governmental Organisations.  In the health sector, Dr Morar served as a Council member on three national regulatory bodies – the Council for Medical Schemes (Executive Member); the Health Professions Council of South Africa (Executive Member) and the Medical and Dental Professions Board (Vice-Chairperson); and the South African Medicines Pricing Committee (Vice-Chairperson).

Board Members

Professor Mohambry Nadesan (Morgan) Chetty

Qualifications: MBChB (Natal), M Fam Med (Natal), FCFP (SA), MPH (USA), DTM&H (Wits), DOH (Wits), DHSM (Natal), PhD honoris Causa (NMU)
Prof Chetty is a registered Specialist Family Physician. He serves as Deputy Chairman of SAMCC.
Prof Chetty is the Chairman of the IPA Foundation of SA and Chairman of Kwa Zulu Natal Doctors Healthcare Coalition.
He serves as visiting Professor to the Department of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology.
He was awarded the Fellowship of Family Physicians by the College of Medicine of SA – 2013 – FCFP(SA).
He has been awarded a PhD from the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.
Prof Chetty was awarded the Fullbright – Humphrey scholarship to the USA in 1993 – 1994. He completed his MPH in the USA.
He has written two books on Managed Care and is a speaker at National and International Conferences on a regular basis and writes for the Medical Chronicle.
Prof Chetty was appointed on the NHI Technical Task Team [GP Contracting] in South Africa. He is now on the Board of OHSC (Office of the Health Standards Compliance) – appointed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
Prof Chetty has been the recipient of a number of awards for leadership in Healthcare.
Amongst these awards are the Titanium Award by the BHF for Leadership in Healthcare and the Discovery Health Life Time Achievement Award for work on Quality of care.
Prof Chetty was elected onto the International Academy of Quality and Safety (IAQS) and as an ISQua EXPERT.
2018 – Appointed Interim Chairman of African Health Federation – South Africa.

Ms. Ritta Msibi

Ms. Ritta Thandeka Msibi was born on 20 July 1968. She completed her basic education at Zibukezulu High School, where she passed Grade 12. She went on to obtain several qualifications in the field of nursing and healthcare management. In 1996, Ms Msibi obtained a National Higher Diploma as a registered nurse in General, Midwifery, Psychiatry, and Community Health from Bonalesedi Nursing College. She also holds a National Diploma in Primary Healthcare from the University of KwaZulu Natal, which she obtained in 2001. In 2003, she received a National Diploma in Unit Management from the same university, and in 2009, she completed an Advanced University Diploma in Health Service Management from North West University. She also completed The Integrated Management of TB, HIV, and STI program from FPD in 2009 and a Capacity Building Programme on Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, and Mediation from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in 2015.

Ms. Thandeka has worked at various healthcare facilities in South Africa. From 1991 to 1996, she worked as a theatre nurse and on medical and surgical wards at Leratong Hospital. She then worked as a night supervisor in the trauma and casualty unit management and administration at Botshelong Empilweni Clinix Private Hospital from 1996 to 1998. From 1998 to 2009, she oversaw mobile clinics at Ladysmith Primary Health Care, where she supervised their management and administration. Since 2009, Ms Msibi has been the Community Care Givers Programme coordinator at UThukela Health District Office.

Ms Msibi is also involved in various leadership and community organizations. She has been a member of COSATU and served as its National Gender Chairperson and CEC Member since 2010. Since 2014, she has been the Arab and African countries Vice President of Public Service International. She has also served as the Vice Chair of the Public Health and Social Service Coordinating Bargaining Council since 2017. In addition to her professional and community work, Ms Msibi has also received several qualifications in healthcare and management, demonstrating her dedication to lifelong learning and professional development.

Dr. Maria Peenze

Dr Adv. Maria Peenze is a legal and governance specialist with a wealth of experience in various sectors. She obtained her Baccalaureus Legum and Baccalaureus Iuris degrees from the University of the Free State (UFS) in 1994 and 1992, respectively, both with Cum Laude. In 1996, she earned her Magister Legum degree in Human Rights, also from UFS. She then obtained a Doctor Technologiae in Business Administration from the Central University of Technology, Free State, in 2002.

In addition, Dr Peenze is a Certified Fraud Examiner, having obtained her certification from the International Association of Fraud Examiners (New York) in 2018. She completed the Africa Directors Programme at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in 2017 and the Ethics in the Public Service course at the National School of Government (South Africa) in 2018.

Dr Peenze has had a distinguished career, having worked in various capacities in both the private and public sectors. She has served on various boards, risk and audit committees, and is a practicing advocate. She was also the Ombudsman of UNISA between 2017 and 2021. Her other notable positions include serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Public Protector South Africa from 2015 to 2016 and as Deputy Director-General of the National Department of Transport from 2007 to 2015. She was also Head of Legal Services at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) from 2006 to 2007.

In addition to her professional work, Dr Peenze is actively involved in governance, management, and community activities. She is currently a part-time member of the National Consumer Tribunal and a non-executive director of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, the Road Accident Fund of South Africa, and the Office of Health Standards Compliance. She is also the Managing Director of Aviva Business Consulting (Pty) Ltd and a committee member of the Legal Practice Council in Gauteng. Dr Peenze is a member of the International Advisory Council of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and a practicing advocate of the High Court of South Africa. She is also a member of the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa.

Dr Peenze’s past governance, management, and community involvement includes serving as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Department of Defence from 2018 to 2021 and as a member of the Central Johannesburg TVET Council from 2016 to 2018. She was also a non-executive director of So-Ja Share Block Scheme (Pty) Ltd from 2018 to 2019, a member and chairperson of the Risk Committee at Limpopo Treasury from 2017 to 2018, and a member of the Free State Society of Advocates from 1994 to 1995.

Prof. Lilian Dudley

Prof Lilian Dudley (BSc Med Micro, MBChB, DCH, MSc (LSHTM), FCPHM, PhD) is a Public Health Medicine Specialist, emeritus associate professor and previous Head of Division of Health Systems and Public Health in the Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University (SU), South Africa. She has provided leadership in public health policy, planning and implementation in various capacities at national and international levels over three decades.  Her research has focused on health systems strengthening and quality of care, particularly for TB and HIV; health information systems; capacity development of health professionals and managers in LMIC’s, and research evidence synthesis. These included several international collaborations funded through the EU, NIH, CDC and PEPFAR. At SU she established new postgraduate training programmes in public health, health systems research and health leadership and management, and led the renewal of the teaching of public health in the undergraduate medical curriculum.

Prior to her tenure at SU, she was the CEO of Health Systems Trust (HST) a leading national health NGO in South Africa, and spent several years as a senior manager of health services in local and provincial government. She has served on various national committees including as Chair of an ASSAf panel established to review governance of the SA health system; as a member of the National Lancet Commission on Quality Health Systems (2017 – 2018); is a past president of the Epidemiological Society of SA (ESSA), the TB Alliance DOTS Support Association (TADSA) and was the founding president of the Public Health Association of SA (PHASA). She served on the Board of HISP (Health Information Systems Programme); and was a member of the Council for Public Health Medicine of South Africa and chair of it’s Medical Management subdivision.

She is a member of the TDR Scientific Working Group and Committee on Postgraduate Training; was a Fellow of the Takemi International Health Program, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, which she has a continuing association with, and has served on international bodies including WHO committees for TB, primary health care and health systems research. Her key strengths are in the translation of strong technical competencies and experience in public health medicine to policy and practice, through strategic leadership of teams and organisations at national and international levels.

Prof.  Usuf Chikte

Professor Usuf Chikte is a South African dental practitioner and academic with extensive experience and expertise in health policy formulation, financial management, regulatory affairs, and professional ethics. He obtained his primary and high school education in Cape Town, South Africa, and later earned his BChD degree from the University of the Western Cape in 1981. He went on to complete postgraduate training in community dentistry at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and obtained an MDent degree in 1988. In 1994, he received an MSc from University College London, and in 2005, he completed a PhD at the University of Stellenbosch.

Professor Chikte has held numerous academic and leadership positions throughout his career. He served as a principal dentist in Cape Town, South Africa, and London, United Kingdom, as well as a clinical dental officer in the Department of Health in South Africa. He was also a registrar and later a specialist in community dentistry at the University of the Witwatersrand.

From 2006 to 2017, Professor Chikte served as the chief specialist, professor, and executive head of the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University. In this position, he oversaw five centers/units and nine disciplines, including community health, family medicine and primary care, emergency medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, human nutrition, center for rehabilitation studies, speech language and hearing therapy, and nursing. He was also responsible for the budget of the Dental School and served as the Chair of the Finance and Investment Portfolio of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Professor Chikte has played a significant role in health policy formulation in South Africa. He assisted in drawing up the National Oral Health Policy and served as the chairperson of the National Fluoridation Committee appointed by the National Minister of Health. He has also demonstrated his negotiating and conflict resolution skills during the political transition period at national, provincial, and regional levels.

Professor Chikte has served on various councils, regulatory bodies, academic bodies, and professional bodies. He has been an executive member of the Medical and Dental Professions Board and served as the Chair of the Dental Examinations Committee, the Committee for Disciplinary Enquiries in Dentistry (Prelim Dent), the Tariff Committee, and the Standard Generating Bodies (SGB). He has also chaired both Education and Training Committees (ETQA) and Finance Investment and Tariffs Committees. He serves on the Senates of Stellenbosch University, Western Cape College of Nursing, and formerly on the Senate of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. He has served as a Council Member of the Western Cape College of Nursing and Hospital Facilities Board (Tygerberg Hospital) and was a Department of National Health Ministerial appointee on the Office for Health Safety and Compliance (OHSC) from 2020 to 2023. He currently serves as the chairperson of the National Fluoridation Committee and has held positions as the President of the South African Dental Association, President of the College of Dentistry, and Registrar of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. He was also the Editor of the South African Dental Journal from 2003 to 2011.

Ms.  Palesa Santho

Ms. Palesa Santho is a highly qualified and experienced pharmacist from South Africa. She completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at the University of the North in 1999. In 2017, she obtained a Business Management Diploma from the University of North West in South Africa.

Ms. Santho has an extensive work experience spanning over two decades. She began her career in 2000 as an intern at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein. Later, she served as a Pharmacy Manager at Group4 Maximum Security Prison in Bloemfontein in 2005. In 2006, she joined the Free State Department of Health as Deputy Director for ARV Pharmaceutical Services. She held this position until February 2017, when she left to pursue other opportunities.

From March 2017 to December 2017, Ms. Santho worked as a locum pharmacist at Clicks and Medi-Rite pharmacies. In 2018, she became the Pharmacy Owner and Responsible Pharmacist of San2med Pharmacy in Bloemfontein. She has been managing the pharmacy since then. Additionally, she is a Temp Research Pharmacist at FARMOVS Pty Ltd. since September 2019.

Ms. Santho has been actively involved in clinical trials research in recent years. She has participated in clinical trials for indications such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Asthma/COPD, ADHD, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria, HIV, and Leukemia, among others. She has played the role of a Research Pharmacist in these trials.

Ms. Santho is a member of various pharmacy councils and committees. She was the Chairperson of the South African Association of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists (Free State/Northern Cape Branch) from 2006 to 2010. She was also a member of the South Africa Pharmacy Council (SAPC) from 2008 to 2013 and served as the Chairperson of the Committee of Informal Inquiry (SAPC) from 2011 to 2013. Ms. Santho was a member of the South African Nursing Council from 2013 to 2018 and the Free State Private Facilities Licensing Advisory Committee from 2014 to 2017. She was also a member of the Executive Council of South African Community Pharmacists, a sector of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa, from 2018 to 2020. Ms. Santho’s extensive experience, coupled with her participation in clinical trials research, makes her a highly competent pharmacist capable of conducting clinical trials and contributing to the advancement of medicine

Prof. Rajesh Mahabeer

Prof. Mahabeer is a senior chartered accountant and business leader with 44 years of corporate experience; 25 years of which have been at the C – Suite level in large and complex companies. Prof. Rajesh applies Systems Thinking in his solutions development. He holds the M. Com degree in Leadership Studies (Systems Thinking) from UKZN and the MBA degree from the University of Derby in England. He is currently reading for his Ph.D. degree of Wits.

Prof Mahabeer held roles as the CEO, CFO, and COO in several companies. The CEOs and boards of directors that he worked with describe him as result-focused, technically savvy, and strategically astute. He is a pedigreed restructuring and growth expert. Prof Mahabeer has extensive expertise in financially transforming troubled companies into profitable enterprises as evidenced by the successful reorganization of Walter Sisulu University (WSU), the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), and South African National Parks (SANParks) businesses most recently.

Prof Mahabeer consults with companies in South Africa and abroad through Trilord Consulting (Pty) where he is the Chief Executive Officer. He provides C-Suite support to clients and consults in the space of corporate decline avoidance, restructuring, capital advisory, and growth strategy. He is an astute negotiator assisting clients to navigate sensitive and complex matters.

Mr. Anele Yawa

General Secretary I Human Activist
Anele is a human rights activist and participated in many campaigns advocating for constitutional and human rights, social justice, and equality for all irrespective of gender, colour, creed, nationality, or class.
As the General Secretary of the TAC, he plays a critical role in fostering communication and diligence by managing essential records such as meeting minutes and the organization’s bylaws. He ensures accurate and sufficient documentation and continuity of policies, provides advice and resources to the board on governance issues, and assists in fulfilling fiduciary duties.
Anele sits on the TAC’s board of directors, SANAC TB steering committee, and is part of the PLHIV Sector TB Task team. The Chief Accounting Officer of a Project called Ritshidze, which is a consortium of 5 organisations.
Anele, has served in the Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality from 2011 to 2014 as a proportional representative councillor where he stepped down to commit himself full-time to the TAC till to date.

Ms. Sizeni Mchunu

Ms. Sizeni Mchunu is a well-respected figure in the field of nursing education and administration. Born in South Africa in 1955, She attended St. Francis College in Mariann hill, where she obtained her Matric/National Senior Certificate in 1975.

Ms Mchunu began her nursing career in 1979 as a professional nurse in clinical practice at Gelukspan Hospital. She subsequently worked at McCord Hospital in Durban as a professional nurse in clinical practice from 1980 to 1981, and at St. Mary’s Hospital in Mariann hill as a senior professional nurse in teaching from 1981 to 1993. During this time, Mchunu also obtained a Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery in 1987, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Nursing Science with a specialization in Nursing Administration/Management and Community Health Nursing in 1990.

In 1992, Mchunu was appointed as a lecturer at the University of Zululand, where she worked until 1999. During this time, she also obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Nursing Education in 1997 and a Bachelor of Honors Degree in Nursing Science with a specialization in Education in 1993, both from the University of South Africa.

Ms Mchunu joined the South African Nursing Council (SANC) in 1999 as Executive Manager: Professional Affairs Division, Education & Training Assurance & Development Department. She was subsequently promoted to Deputy Registrar: Professional Practice in 2002, and then to Registrar: Professional Practice Acting Registrar in 2007. In 2009, she was appointed by the Minister as Interim Registrar in the absence of the Registrar. Ms Mchunu was then appointed as Deputy Registrar: Professional in September 2010, a position she held until February 2015, when she became Director of Nursing in the Chief Nursing Officer’s office at the National Department of Health. In June 2016, Ms Mchunu returned to the SANC as Interim Registrar, before being appointed as Registrar & CEO in September 2017. She served in this position until her contract ended and retirement in September 2022.

In addition to her nursing qualifications and experience, Ms Mchunu has also obtained several non-nursing diplomas and certificates, including a Diploma in Advanced Basic Education and Training from McCord Hospital in Durban in 1979, and a Certificate in Community Development from the University of South Africa in 2000.

Throughout her career, Mchunu has been committed to improving nursing education and practice in South Africa. She has been actively involved in a number of professional organizations and has served on various committees and boards. Her contributions to the nursing profession have been widely recognized, and she has received numerous awards and accolades for her work.

Dr Guinevere Lourens

Dr Guinevere Lourens embarked on her journey in the nursing realm with an unwavering commitment to excellence. She specialises in quality healthcare and risk management, occupational health, health professions/nursing education, and organisational development.

Dr. Lourens began her journey as a Professional Nurse at Pathcare from January to June 1992. Her dedication and skills led her to serve as a Senior Professional Nurse at the Western Cape Department of Health from July 1992 to June 1995. Subsequently, from July 1995 to June 1997, Dr Lourens embraced the role of a Senior Professional Nurse specialising in comprehensive mobile health services at Boland District Municipality. Her influence extended to the mentorship of primary healthcare students, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to remote areas.

Eager to expand her horizons, Dr. Lourens transitioned to Senior Professional Nurse: Training from August 1997 to August 2000, facilitating training workshops and clinical skill assessments in Boland District Municipality. In September 2000, she embarked on a new chapter at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) as a Lecturer and Project Manager. Over the next five years, she effectively managed and lectured in nursing management, primary healthcare, and occupational health nursing. Her role extended to spearheading a national TB/HIV outreach training program for higher education institutions.

Dr. Lourens’ impactful journey continued as she assumed the role of Assistant Director of Quality Management and Project Management and Occupational Health Nursing Portfolio at Western Cape Government Health from January 2006 to May 2012. From June 2012 to April 2016, she took on the position of a Manager at the Centre for Rural Health at Stellenbosch University. Transitioning to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University, Dr. Lourens served as a Clinical Training Platform Manager, managing the operational implementation of distributive health sciences education. She also excelled as a Lecturer and Programme Leader in the Department of Nursing and Midwifery from June 2015 to July 2019, showcasing her dedication to nursing education.

Dr. Lourens’ exceptional contributions extended to her role as a Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University’s Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health from December 2019. Dr. Lourens has been serving as the National Nursing Manager at Evergreen Health since August 2019 and continues in this role to the present date. Throughout her journey, Dr. Lourens demonstrated a deep commitment to education, earning various qualifications, including a Ph.D. in Public Healthcare Management and a Master’s Degree in Nursing. Her pursuit of knowledge further led her to attain certifications in quality management, nursing education, and health services management.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

OHSC Management

Dr. Siphiwe Mndaweni

Chief Executive Officer

She holds a BA Degree in Biology from Knox College, Illinois, USA; Masters in Medical Science Microbiology from Medunsa; MBCHB from Medunsa; Management Development Course for Healthcare Professionals from both Wits Business School and Duke University; Post Graduate Diploma in Health Systems Management and Executive Leadership from University of Pretoria.

Dr Mndaweni’s career and leadership journey is imbued and manifest itself in a number of entities she worked for.  Her previous roles and positions include amongst others, Deputy Director-General: District Health Services, KwaZulu-Natal, Department of Health, Chief Director: Strategic Health Programmes, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health; Chief of Party, URC USAID TB Programme and Deputy Chief of Party of the Right To Care EQUIP Programme.

Her professional accomplishments include amongst others, notable management of the overall implementation of the HIV, TB, Child and Maternal Health Programmes in KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Health. She also brings over a wealth of experience from public health policy and program implementation from several African countries she supported.

Dr. Mndaweni’s commendable knowledge in public healthcare will contribute towards the OHSC accomplishing its mandate in ensuring quality and safety in both public and private healthcare establishments in South Africa.

Dr. Mathabo Mathebula

Chief Operations Officer

Dr Mathebula is a transformational professional and leader, passionate about health care. Her vision is to see all health establishments improve in the provisioning of quality healthcare. She is a Medical Doctor by profession and holds various certificates and qualifications in health management, including a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Witwatersrand. She worked as a Medical Officer at numerous hospitals of different levels of care in Tshwane.

Her management career started at 1 Military Hospital where she headed the General Outpatient department for three years, thereafter, she held a position of a Medical Manager for almost four years at the then Pretoria Academic Hospital, now Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Subsequently, Dr Mathebula held the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Steve Biko Academic Hospital for over nine years where she was a member of the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Whilst in the position of the Deputy CEO of Steve Biko Academic Hospital, she was seconded to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer of Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital for 18 months. In 2019, she was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, after having been an Acting CEO since 2017. One of her career highlights is leading a nationally recognised quality assurance health establishment.

Mr Siyabulela Tshefu

Director: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Siyabulela Tshefu started his Public Sector career in 2004 and held various positions in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (2004-2013), Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury (2013-2021) and Department of Public Service and Administration (2021-2023) as the Director. He has been instrumental in institutionalising Monitoring and Evaluation as well as implementing various Planning Methodologies and Tools such as Scenario Planning.

He has massive experience and extensive knowledge in Strategic Management Monitoring & Evaluation. He produced a number of Evaluation studies reports such as Implementation Evaluation of Municipal Support Programme (2017), Implementation Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Cooperative Funding (2018), Impact Evaluation of Provincial Treasury’s Intervention in Eastern Cape Department of Health (2019) and Impact Evaluation Report of the Effectiveness of the HR Training Programme (2020).

Siyabulela Tshefu holds two master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation from the University of Stellenbosch (2021), a Master of Public Administration from Nelson Mandela University (2017), Post Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation (Cum Laude) from the University of Fort Hare (2018), Bachelor Degree of Public Administration (Cum Laude) from University of Fort Hare (2015) and National Diploma in Taxation from Border Technikon (2003).

He has also obtained several certificates from different academic institutions namely Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation (NQF LEVEL 7) from the University of Rhodes (2012), a Certificate in Monitoring &Evaluation from the University of Western Cape (2008) and a Certificate in Health Information Systems from University of Western Cape (2010).

Mr Julius Mapatha

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Manager: Corporate Services

Mr Julius Mapatha has over twenty-one (21) years working experience. During his working life he has occupied various technical and leadership positions covering the areas of finance, accounting, human resource and general management. This experience has been acquired in various sectors covering mining, FMCGs, NGOs, trade and investment promotion.

Ms Winnifred “Winnie” Moleko

Executive Manager: Health Standards Design, Analysis and Support

Winnifred Moleko, currently working in the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) as the Executive Manager: Health Standards Development Analysis and Support providing leadership in standards development and measurement tools; analysis of inspection data, development of guidance material and training on interpretation of standards and measurements. A highly experienced professional nurse with a Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital); holding degrees in Community Nursing Science, Nursing Education and Nursing Administration (MEDUNSA); Master’s in Education (MeD) for Primary Health Care (University of Manchester –UK); Post Graduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management (University of Stellenbosch); Advanced Course in Health Management (Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) and YALE University) and MPHIL (HIV/AIDS) with University of Stellenbosch.

Winnie worked at Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI formerly RHRU) for 18 years and last position was Technical Head, Health Systems Strengthening.  From May 2011 she was seconded to the National DOH as Quality Improvement: Senior Technical Advisor to assist with quality improvement/quality assurance work. In this, she had a critical role in the establishment of the Office of Health Standards Compliance as an independent entity, mandated to promote quality and patient safety. She gained extensive QI knowledge and expertise in coaching and mentoring with the Quality Assurance Project and Institute for Health Care Improvement.

During this period (2001 -2003), Winnie was actively involved in the organization and development of standards, training and facility self-assessment of Youth Friendly Services in Africa in Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and Lesotho with International Planned Parenthood Federation of Africa Region (IPPFAR). This work included publication of Standards for Youth Care: A Guide to Youth Friendly Services with Dickson Tetteh K, W Moleko and Mpangile G, (2002). While at RHRU, published Quality of Care Self-Assessment Tool: Standards to improve the quality of HIV and related health services at primary health care facilities: Melanie Pleaner and Winnie Moleko (2010).

Dr Lesiba Rashokeng

Director: Certification and Enforcement

Dr. Lesiba Rashokeng primarily trained as a dentist obtaining a Bachelor of Dental Science(BDS) degree and began his career as a lecturer at the University of Limpopo, now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. He then transitioned to public service, where he has spent the past 14 years in healthcare management. During this time, Dr Rashokeng worked at various levels of hospitals, gaining valuable experience in district, regional, and academic/tertiary healthcare settings. For almost a decade, he served as a Hospital CEO, overseeing operations and driving healthcare improvements. Dr. Rashokeng also holds an MBA in Healthcare Management, enhancing his leadership and strategic expertise in the sector.

 


Mr Ricardo Mahlakanya

Director: Communications and Stakeholder Relations

Ricardo Mahlakanya is a qualified communications and media relations professional with a B-Tech Degree from Tshwane University of Technology. Over the years, he worked for a number of government and parastatals in areas such as communications, media relations, campaigns and stakeholder relations just to name but a few. He is currently pursuing his Honours Degree in Communications with University of South Africa.

Dr. Donna Jacobs

Executive Manager: Complaints Management

Mr Bonginkosi Khumalo

Director: Compliance Inspectorate

Mr. Bonginkosi R. Khumalo is an experienced professional nurse who holds a master’s degree in medical sciences (MMedSci) (UKZN), a postgraduate diploma in public health (UKZN), a bachelor’s degree in health service education and management (B cur Ed et Admin) (NWU), Diploma in Health assessment, diagnostic, treatment and care (PHC diploma) (UKZN) and Diploma in Science as a Nurse in General (Psychiatry, Community) and Accoucheur (CJM Nursing Campus).

He worked in several public and private institutions at the management level and recently served as the CEO of KZN hospitals (Benedictine and CJM Hospital). He has a passion for and experience in primary health care services, having managed nursing services at the CHC level and clinics in Ceza Hospital and eDumbe CHC. In private, he worked for HST as a District Coordinator for the TB/HIV Project and URC as a National Expansion Coordinator for the TB/HIV Project.

Executive Manager: Compliance Inspectorate – Vacant

Mr Lehasa Moloi

Director: Finance and Supply Chain Management

Mr. Lehasa Moloi was born in the Qwaqwa . He matriculated from Mohaladitoe Secondary School in 2001. He studied at the Vaal University of Technology in 2003 and graduated with a B-Tech in Cost and Management Accounting. He continued his education at UNISA, where he earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting Science.

Mr. Moloi is a qualified professional accountant. He has more than 15 years of expertise in accounting, auditing, and SCM in both the public and commercial sectors.


Mr Jay Tulsee

Director: Information Technology and Document Management

Jay Tulsee joined OHSC in October 2014 as the CIO/Director of ICT. Tulsee has 25 years of health care IT experience. Prior to joining OHSC, Tulsee held a variety of senior positions in IT with several Health organisations. Tulsee holds a diploma in medical technology, information technology and a master’s degree in business management.

Mr Phillip Moholola

Director: Human Resources and Administration

Mr. P Moholola joined the Office of Health Standards Compliance in December 2014. He holds B Admin Honours degree, specializing in human resources management, from the University of the North (now Limpopo University). In addition to this, he completed an MBA (Masters degree in Business Administration ) at Tshwane University of Technology. He has extensive experience in all areas of human resources management, including more than seventeen years at the senior management level.

Ms Helen Phetoane

Senior Investigator: Healthcare Complaints

Mr Douglas Mapheto

Senior Investigator: Legal Issues: Complaints

I, Mpuru Douglas Mapheto was born and bred in the rural Sekhukhune area at Ga-Masemola village, in the Limpopo Province. I attended my Primary and High School studies in Ga-Masemola. After completing my matric in 1995, I took a gap year in 1996 before I enrolled with the University of Limpopo (UL), formerly knowns as the University of the North (UniN), in 1997. I studied a four-year bachelor’s degree in law, BProc degree, which I obtained in record time.

I completed a six (06) months Practical Legal Training (PLT) at the School for Legal Practice (SLP) in 2002 at EduPark in Polokwane, Limpopo Province. I was then appointed as an Article Clerk or Candidate Attorney at Dr TC Botha Incorporated in Ermelo, Mpumalanga Province between 2003 – 2004. Between 2005 and 2009, I joined a private company as a Claims Investigator and Legal Cost Consultant. This is where I developed a keen interest in investigation as a career.

Before I join the Office of the Heath Standards Compliance (OHSC) I was a Senior Investigator in the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) between 2010 -2021. In that position, I was tasked with investigating rectifying and redressing any improper or prejudicial conduct in state affairs. I am currently a Senior Investigator: Legal Cases in the OHSC effective from 01 April 2021 (NB: not ‘April fool’ joke). My responsibilities include amongst others: To investigate healthcare complaints / legal cases investigations; to provide support to the Office of the Health Ombud (OHO); to manage investigations and reporting on complex cases regarding breaches of norms and standards etc.

I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution in ensuring compliance by Health Establishments (HE) with the norms and standards and most importantly to protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services.


Ms Izelle Loots

Director: Health Standards Development and Training

Izelle is currently appointed Director: Standards Development and Training as of 1 September 2022. She holds a Master’s degree in Health studies (cum laude), a B Cur I ed A degree (cum laude), a 4-year integrated Diploma in nursing (General, Midwifery, Community, Psychiatric nursing), a post basic Diploma in Nursing Management and has furthered her studies as a Primary Healthcare nurse, post basic Pharmacology and post basic Community Health Nursing. She is currently enrolled as a PhD student in nursing.

Izelle has more than 20 years’ experience in the nursing fraternity.  She has significant experience in nursing education and has been the former Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Board Member for the Nursing Education Association and Pretoria Chapter.  In addition, she is one of the founders and leaders of a movement called The Nursing Improvement Platform and is on the Advisory Board of the Occupational Guilds for Nursing.

Izelle is the recipient of three (3) Pacesetters Awards for Driving Excellence, three (3) Edge Runner Awards for Innovation and Change and, Night of the Stars Award for Nursing Excellence, the Great 100 Nurses Award for Compassionate Care and the Nursing Education Excellence Award.

She has been a presenter and moderator in both national and international nursing conferences. In addition, she is also a reviewer of academic articles in the fields of Nursing Management and Primary Healthcare.


Ms Nompumelelo Ndou

Director: Complaints Centre and Assessment

I am currently appointed Director: Complaints Centre and Assessment at OHSC as of 01 August 2022. I hold the following qualifications: Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatry, Community) & Midwifery from Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College, Diploma in Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment and Care (Primary Health Care Nurse) from Ann Latsky Nursing College, Bcur Ed at Admin (Occupational Nursing Science) from the University of Johannesburg and a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Systems Management and Executive Leadership from the University of Pretoria.

My career started soon after completing my Diploma in Nursing, appointed as Professional Nurse in Primary Health Care Facilities, and later appointed as Primary Health Care Nurse and this was from 2004 to 2012 in Ekurhuleni Health District. In 2012 was appointed Operational Manager Nursing for Community Health Workers Programme and Expanded Public Works Programme in Ekurhuleni Health District, Coordinated the implementation of Ward based Primary Health Care Teams. In 2017 was appointed Deputy Director for Community Health Workers Programme/Wardbased Primary Health Care and Expanded Public Works Programme at the Provincial Office in Gauteng Department of Health.  In 2019 was appointed Deputy Manager Nursing (Primary Health Care Sub-District Manager in Ekurhuleni South Sub-district) and I held this position till July 2022.

I have more than 18 years’ experience in nursing and 10 years’ experience in management within the public sector. I have extensive experience in Primary Health Care and District Health Services.