Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – The Free State Department of Health continues to dominate headlines for all the wrong reasons.
While public scrutiny remains fixed on last year’s controversial appointment of Zongezile Adam Zumane, fresh revelations suggest deeper governance concerns within the department.
STEPUPSANEWS can reveal that Ntombizodwa Rosemary Pooe, the personal assistant to Health MEC Viceroy Mahlatsi, holds Grade 12 as her highest qualification — yet earns R34 280.81 per month in acting allowance alone.
Pooe joined the Department of Health in July 2024 when Mahlatsi was appointed MEC by Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae.
She was appointed as an Administration Clerk Supervisor (Salary Level 7) and placed at the top notch of the scale. She is currently acting as Private and Appointment Secretary (Salary Level 12), effectively jumping five salary levels.
According to documents in our possession, Pooe earns R31 913.25 as a basic salary and R34 280.81 as an acting allowance.
In addition to her salary and acting allowance, she also receives R7 035.81 for what is described as “role-playing” duties.
Records further indicate that Pooe has been acting in the higher position since August 2024. Her acting appointment is reportedly renewed annually and is expected to continue for as long as Mahlatsi remains in office.
Meanwhile, supervisors at various hospitals and clinic managers across the province reportedly act in senior positions without receiving acting allowances.
To date, Pooe has pocketed R617 054,58 from acting allowance only.
Insiders claim that the Salary Level 7 post requires either a diploma or a degree qualification.
Despite holding only Grade 12, Pooe was allegedly placed at the top notch of the scale.
According to Public Service Regulations, appointments within the Office of an Executive Authority must be filled by individuals who are suitably qualified and who meet the prescribed requirements of the position.
Sources allege that this practice may not be limited to the Department of Health, but could be prevalent across other provincial departments and municipalities.
Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Department of Health, did not respond to questions sent at the time of publication.
Support Independent Journalism
Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.
If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us continue our work.
Your contribution even as little as R10, makes a difference.
Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703
If you have news tips, please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 068 507 6731.
Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.
2 thoughts on “Health MEC’s PA acting allowance is higher than her salary despite Grade 12 qualification”