First female DG appointed in KZN since 1994

Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize has been appointed as the first Regional Director-General of KwaZulu-Natal. Picture: Supplied

Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize has been appointed as the first Regional Director-General of KwaZulu-Natal. Picture: Supplied

Published Aug 2, 2017

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Durban - For the first time since 1994, the province of KwaZulu-Natal has a female director-general.

And Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize’s appointment happens to coincide with the start of Women’s Month.

KZN Premier Willies Mchunu said in a statement on Tuesday that the announcement would herald a new

era, characterised by solid service delivery and speed in rolling out radical economic transformation programmes aimed at benefiting women.

“I welcome (Dr Mkhize) on behalf of the executive council. Since the ANC-led government ascended to power, we have taken bold steps to institutionalise gender equity,” Mchunu said.

“As the leadership deployed to represent the aspirations of millions of our people, we have a responsibility to demonstrate commitment towards redressing imbalances in our society.”

Mkhize previously took on the role of director-general in an acting capacity (in policy and governance) at the Office of the Premier from March 2009 to October 2010.

Mkhize previously served as director-general in the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga from September 2012 to November 2015.

She also acted in the same position in the Department of the Status of Women, Children and People with Disabilities from November 2010 to August 2012.

In addition, she acted as chief director and director of human rights at the KZN premier’s office from March 2002 to February 2009.

Mkhize was also a director of national language services at the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology from January 1998 to February 2002.

Before that, she was a senior lecturer and head of department for African Languages at the University of Zululand from February 1995 to December 1997.

Mkhize told The Mercury that the news of her appointment in mid-July was met with “happiness and humility” on her part.

“I get to come home and now have the opportunity to serve the people of this province again,” said Mkhize, who was born in Umbumbulu.

She said she would not tolerate late coming, long breaks and absenteeism as employees were paid by taxpayers.

She had also undertaken to work with organised labour to resolve labour disputes, to ensure that service delivery was not disrupted.

The Mercury

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