Continuity and Trusted Leadership: Health and Wellness Head renews contract
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, is pleased to announce the renewal of Dr Keith Cloete’s contract as the Head of Department for another five years. His continued leadership ensures stability, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to advancing high quality, person-centred healthcare in the province.
Appointed in 2020, Dr Cloete played a pivotal role in leading the province’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. With over 30 years of experience in the Western Cape public healthcare sector, he has been instrumental in shaping policy and initiatives that promote community health. As a founding member of the Western Cape Reference Group for Health-Promoting Schools and an active participant in intersectoral healthcare projects—such as sanitation and hygiene initiatives in informal settlements—his contributions have significantly improved public health outcomes.
Minister Mireille Wenger welcomed his continued tenure, stating, "Dr Cloete’s leadership and experience mean that the department remains in capable and steady hands. I look forward to working alongside him to strengthen our healthcare system and build on the foundations laid to ensure continued excellence in service delivery. His integrity, resilience and empathy continue to inspire the many he works with in public health. I am confident that he will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of many."
Dr Cloete has long championed multi-sectoral collaboration, working with government, private sector partners, and NGOs to improve healthcare access and resilience across the province. Under his leadership, the department remains committed to patients at the very centre of its work. Last year, at the 8th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research in Nagasaki, Japan, he was recognised for his exceptional contributions to public service, particularly in evidence-informed policy and practice, his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his dedication to improving population health.
Premier Alan Winde added, “Dr Cloete’s expertise, dedication and experience have served our government well. His able-handed guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic was invaluable. I vividly recall the digicons we held during the worst of the pandemic. Knowing he and his team were always on hand to guide us helped bring a sense of calm and stability to our response. I am delighted that he will remain with us for another five years and I look forward to working with him.”
Dr Cloete commented, “It is an honour to continue to serve the people of the Western Cape, especially those most in need. It remains a privilege to work alongside the many incredible people that work in the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and across all our numerous partner organisations. Together, we will continue to work towards a healthier society, where everyone has the opportunity to start well, live well and age well.”