Welcome Minister Mireille Wenger

We are excited to welcome Ms Mireille Wenger as the Minister for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. 

Ms Wenger previously served as the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities from May 2022 until June 2024. No stranger to the health sector, Mireille has previously served on the Western Cape Provincial Parliaments’ Health and Wellness Standing Committee for a full 5 years during which time the committee processed the Hospital Facility Board Act and she has also served on a hospital facility board for several years.
Her vast experience also includes serving in the Western Cape’s Provincial Parliament, as Chief Whip of the Majority Party, as well as Chairperson the Parliamentary Oversight Committee, Community Safety Committee and the COVID-19 Ad Hoc committee. 

“I look forward to meeting the health heroes and to working together for the citizens of this province, especially the most vulnerable, to be healthy, safe and well in all phases of their lives. I also express my sincere thanks to Dr Mbombo for the years she devoted to health and wellness,” said Minister Wenger. 

Her qualifications include an MA degree in International Relations from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as a Master of Philosophy degree in criminology, law and society from the University of Cape Town. She has also completed the Programme in Political Science and Sociology at Sciences Po (Institut de Etudes Politiques) in France. 

Minister Wenger is results-driven and passionate about applying innovative approaches to challenges as well as a proven track-record of strategy and policy development that drives improved outcomes in line with her deep care for and commitment to improving lives across the Western Cape and South Africa. 

She believes in inspiring fresh, new ideas, and especially in building partnerships with the private sector, and other levels of government, to ensure sustainable service delivery and equitable healthcare. 

“We are looking forward to serving the people of the Western Cape with Minister Mireille Wenger. She brings passion, a deep sense of caring for our residents, and a vast set of skills and experience to the table. I encourage our healthcare workers and residents to support Minister Wenger in her new role and to take hands in ensuring accessible healthcare for our most vulnerable citizens.” 

“I would also like to thank Professor Nomafrench Mbombo for her dedicated service and commitment to our department and residents, ensuring no one is left behind. We will miss her and wish her well for her future endeavours,” said Dr Keith Cloete, Head of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.