Question NW3991 to the Minister of Health
14 November 2022 - NW3991
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(1)(a) Who are the current members of the National Health Committee (NHC), (b)(i) on what dates were the specified members appointed and (ii) what were the criteria for appointment and (c) where are vacancies for the National Health Research Committee advertised; (2) whether the appointment of members of the committee is at his sole discretion; if not, (a) who does he consult with in this regard; if so, on what legislative provisions does he rely in doing so; (3) (a) what are the requisite qualifications of the members of the NHC, (b) how often does the committee meet and (c) what is the remuneration of each member of the committee? NW4961E
Reply:
(1) Firstly it is important to correct the question from the Honourable Member, that there is no structure called the National Health Committee in the National Department of Health. The acronym NHC stands for the National Health Council.
It is also our understanding that based on the content of the question, the Honourable Member could be referring to the National Health Research Committee (NHRC), and therefore our response will deal with this particular structure.
(a) The current NHRC members are listed below with their institutions:
- Prof Mahmood Ally (University of Pretoria)
- Prof Nicolaas Gey van Pittius (Stellenbosch University)
- Ms Glaudina Loots (Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation)
- Prof Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni (University of Free State)
- Prof Heidi Abrahamse (University of Johannesburg)
- Dr Mapitso Molefe (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)
- Dr Anthony Hawkridge (Western Cape HRC)
- Prof Christo Heunis (University of Free State)
- Prof Angela Mathee (South African Medical Research Council)
- Prof Mushi Matjila (University of Cape Town)
- Prof Taryn Young (Stellenbosch University)
- Prof Moses Mbewe (University of Mpumalanga)
- Prof Panjasaram Naidoo (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
14. Ms Thulile Zondi (National Department of Health)
Prof Mahmood Ally currently chairs the NHRC as per the regulations relating to the National Health Research Committee.
(b) (i) The members were appointed on 24th April 2020, by the former Minister of Health, Dr Zwelini Mkhize for a term of three (3) years. The end of term for the current members is on 24th April 2023.
(ii) The Members of the Committee, appointed by the Minister in terms Section 69 (2) and Regulations Relating to the Establishment of the National Health Research Committee, 2010, are constituted as follows:
• A person with extensive experience and knowledge in health research;
• A representative of the community;
• A representative of the National Department of Health;
• A person appointed on account of his / her knowledge in law; and
• A representative of the Department of Science and Technology.
(c) The Director-General (DG) approves the publication of an advertisement for appointment of new Members to the National Health Research Committee (NHRC) according to Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) government regulations and policy. A notice relating to nominations of members of the committee is published in the government gazette and at least one national newspaper. The applicants use a nomination form and submit a recent Curriculum Vitae.
(2) The Minister appoints NHRC members after as required by National Health Council (NHA) section 69(1) of the National Health Act, 2003 .
(3) (a) Public health qualifications, as well as extensive experience and knowledge in health research is required. In addition, least one person in the NHRC is required to have knowledge of law, and also representation from NDoH and Department of Science and Technology
(b) The committee is required to meet four times per annum.
(c) The committee members remuneration levels are determined by National Treasury Regulation which are revised annually. The NHRC falls under category A, sub-category A2 of the 2019 remuneration levels which stipulates that the chairperson receives R4646 per day (R581 per hour); the vice chairperson receives R3778 per day (R472 per hour) and other members receive R3669 per day (R459 per hour).
END.