To: Health Editors & Journalists
Issued by: NHLS Board Chairperson, Prof Eric Buch
Date: 22 April 2024
NHLS BOARD BIDS FAREWELL TO DR KAMY CHETTY, ANNOUNCES PROF KOLEKA MLISANA AS INCOMING CEO
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Board is at a pivotal juncture as it bids farewell to Dr Kamy Chetty, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr Chetty has committed her professional career to serving public healthcare in many roles, including the NHLS, with steadfast dedication and excellence until she retired. Not many South Africans can retire with the knowledge that they have given everything to the service of our people. Dr Kamy Chetty is one of those few.
Dr Chetty has fulfilled her role in the NHLS with distinction and dedication, first as COO, then as Acting CEO from October 2017 and CEO from January 2020. Dr Chetty joined the NHLS at a time of great stress and brought much-needed stability and integrity to her role. The turnaround led by Dr Chetty is detailed in our annual reports. Dr Chetty leaves the NHLS with a healthy status of service delivery, value for public money, and good governance. The Board thanks Dr Chetty for her exceptional service as CEO and wishes her well in her retirement.
The Board also names eminent microbiologist Prof Koleka Mlisana as the incoming CEO. She will take office from 1 May 2024.
Prof Eric Buch, Chairperson of the NHLS Board, confirmed Prof Mlisana’s appointment today and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the organisation going forward. “Prof Mlisana’s extensive experience in laboratory management in the public and private sectors and as an academic, a researcher and a public health leader is set to bolster the efficiency and effectiveness of the NHLS,” said Prof Buch.
Prof Mlisana brings a wealth of experience to her new role, including serving as the executive manager of academic affairs, research, and quality assurance for the NHLS. Her journey in the medical field began as the country’s first black microbiologist, and she later earned her professorship from her alma mater, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she held the position of Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology.
Throughout her career, Prof Mlisana has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing healthcare in South Africa. Her contributions extend beyond the laboratory, as she has served on the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and co-chair the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19.
“The Board is pleased to have found a professional of Prof Mlisana’s calibre to succeed Dr Chetty,” said Professor Buch. He added that Prof Mlisana’s appointment provides stability, a platform to advance the excellence of laboratory services, support training and research in the field, and a step towards creating a work environment conducive to continuing transformation inside the NHLS.
“We are confident in her ability to drive the organisation forward by optimising service delivery and keeping the NHLS’ mission of providing affordable diagnostic pathology services for the many South Africans who depend on the public sector for their care.”
“In her new role as CEO, Prof Mlisana will continue to uphold NHLS’ commitment to providing high-quality laboratory services and advancing public health initiatives nationwide. Her visionary leadership and extensive knowledge of the healthcare sector will undoubtedly propel NHLS to even greater success in the future.”
Prof Mlisana expressed gratitude and honour at the NHLS Board’s trust in her. She is excited to lead the service with a team of exceptional professionals, all specialists in their professions, with support from the Board and the NHLS executive team.
We congratulate Professor Koleka Mlisana on her appointment as the NHLS CEO and eagerly anticipate her ongoing stewardship at the forefront of NHLS leadership.
END
For more information and interview requests, please contact:
Mzi Gcukumana
Senior Manager: Communication, Marketing and Public Relations
Mobile: 0663763171
Email: mzimasi.gcukumana@nhls.ac.za