Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari and newly-appointed Head of Department, Dr Thami Matshego/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 April 2026 – The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has officially introduced and welcomed the newly-appointed Superintendent General (Head of Department), Dr Thami Matshego during a Departmental Executive Committee meeting held in Rustenburg. Lehari said Matshego’s appointment by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, marks a significant milestone for the department as it strengthens leadership and governance to improve health service delivery across the province.
“We express confidence in Matshego’s capabilities, highlighting her strong academic background and extensive leadership experience in both provincial entities and local government. We are confident that Matshego’s appointment marks a new chapter of stability, leadership and progress for the department.
“She brings a wealth of experience and a strong academic foundation that positions her well to lead the transformation of our health system,” he said.
Lehari further emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration within the department during this transition. He added that they are handing over the new Superintendent General to the management and equally entrusting the management to her leadership.
“This calls for mutual respect, teamwork and a shared commitment to improving healthcare services for our people. Matshego holds a B Tech in Environmental Health, a Master of Public Health specialising in Occupational and Environmental Health, and a PhD in Environmental Management focusing on climate change adaptation.
“Her professional experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, as well as executive roles in Mogale City and Rand West City Local Municipalities, among others,” said Lehari.
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank senior executives who have acted in the position of Superintendent General, including Dr Madipuo Tlhogane, Mokhutshwane-Kaudi, Jannie De Beer, and Polaki Mokatsane, for ensuring stability and continuity within the department during the transition period. He said the department has committed to ensuring a structured handover process, led by acting Superintendent General, Mokatsane, as well as a comprehensive orientation and induction programme to support Matshego in her new role.
In her remarks, Matshego underscored the importance of a unified vision and results-driven leadership. She said they need to have a shared purpose, which will help them achieve what they are here for.
“I am result-driven. I am not good at speaking, but more at showing the works of my hands. Building institutional capacity and working with everyone to advance this purpose is one of my strengths. We committed to strengthening the department’s performance by focusing on key areas requiring attention.
“We will identify areas that need improvement and give them the necessary attention to ensure that we deliver better outcomes for our communities. I would also like to express my support for key departmental programmes championed by the MEC,” she said.
Mashego said she is impressed by programmes such as Re Bona ka Matlho, Kopano ke Matla, and the Tshela ka Itekanelo campaign. She said these are initiatives she fully supports as they align
with their goal of improving health outcomes.
The Guardian 