RADEBE ACTING HEALTH MINISTER
Transport Minister Jeff Radebe has been appointed acting health minister while Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang remains in Johannesburg Hospital’s high care unit.
Tshabalala-Msimang’s spokesperson Sibane Mngadi said her condition was improving steadily.
The minister was admitted to the public hospital last week with what specialists have described as anaemia and pleural effusion.
This follows her admission to the same hospital in October last year for pneumonia.
“In consideration of the fact that the minister of health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, is recuperating from illness, the president has appointed the minister of transport, Jeff Radebe, as acting minister of health with effect from today (Monday),” spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga said.
Ratshitanga said on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, President Thabo Mbeki wished Tshabalala-Msimang a speedy recovery.
The health department requested an appointment of an acting minister while Tshabalala-Msimang is in hospital.
In another development the National Association of People living With HIV and Aids (Napwa) is to hold prayer meetings in all provinces on Wednesday morning in support of Tshabalala-Msimang.
The main meeting will be in Germiston, Napwa national director Nkululeko Nxesi told Sapa on Monday.
Nxesi said that Tshabalala-Msimang’s role and leadership guidance was “more needed now than ever before”.
“As the country is currently finalising the new national country strategic plan and the revival of the South African National Aids Council, her inputs and leadership are crucial.”
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