The MUT’s Head of the Department of Environmental Health, Dr Thobile Tobius Poswa has been appointed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to the inaugural Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC). The intent to establish the committee was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 November 2024, to provide expert advice, guidance and recommendations to the minister and government to enable informed and evidence-based decision-making. The government was responding after the unfortunate incidents that claimed the lives of school children in the country. The 15-member MAC was appointed in the first week of December 2024. Department of Health spokesperson, Sello Lediga, said the committee is composed of distinguished doctors, scientists, and academics. Dr Poswa has confirmed that they have held two meetings with the minister to develop a plan of action. It is also envisaged that the MAC will inform the government of any need for policy refinement, and development and advise on the practicality and effectiveness of food safety interventions in the country to address the needs of communities. The period of Dr Poswa’s appointment is undefined.
Dr Poswa said his appointment to the committee was “a great assignment that will require multi-disciplinary players to provide expert information on the disease. The committee plays a role in law enforcement and surveillance in food safety and ensures safeguarding of public health”. Dr Poswa is an Environment Health Practitioner, a member of the inter-provincial Environmental Health Forum, and a Co-ordinator of all Environmental Health training Institutions in South Africa.