Dr Thembisile Xulu has been appointed as the new Director-General of the National Department of Health, becoming the sixth permanent head of the troubled department since 1994. Her appointment, first reported by Spotlight, places the former CEO of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) at the helm of an institution that has failed to secure a clean audit for five consecutive years.

Department Faces Audit And Staffing Challenges

The department Xulu inherits is grappling with severe public-sector healthcare worker shortages and the stalled implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) amid ongoing litigation. Spotlight’s editorial analysis noted that the position’s job advertisement referenced a controversial Presidential Social Compact rather than established health legislation, suggesting potential political constraints on the new director-general.

“Ultimately, a DG that always says, ‘yes Minister’, isn’t actually doing the Minister, or the public, any favours,” Spotlight’s analysis stated. Xulu holds a medical degree and a master’s degree in public health, and is described by the publication as well liked in healthcare circles.

Predecessor Suspended Over Fraud Charges

Xulu’s appointment follows the suspension of her predecessor, Dr Sandile Buthelezi, along with Chief Financial Officer Phaswa Mamogale and Deputy Director-General Dr Percy Mahlati, after their arrest on fraud and theft charges. News24 reported that the charges relate to the alleged theft of over R1 million from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi suspended the officials in March 2026 following a directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa. A statement from the health ministry at the time said, “Minister Motsoaledi would like to allow the law to take its course. All officials affected by the decision have been formally notified of their suspensions.” Dr Nicholas Crisp was appointed as acting director-general for a three-month period until Xulu’s appointment.

Dr Xulu now faces the immediate task of restoring institutional integrity and professionalising a department long mired by the lingering effects of the Digital Vibes scandal and the more recent Global Fund fraud allegations.