About Prof. Mbombo

A Visionary Leader in Healthcare & Wellness

Professor Nomafrench Mbombo (PhD) has devoted her career to improving healthcare and wellness, bridging academia, public service, and community development. Her journey, spanning over three decades, has been marked by a commitment to innovative, compassionate approaches to health and well-being.

Born and raised in Mdantsane township, Eastern Cape, Prof. Mbombo’s passion for healthcare began as a nurse in her home province. In 1998, she relocated to Cape Town, where her commitment and expertise led to increasingly impactful roles in healthcare, academia, and public service.

Throughout her career, Prof. Mbombo has been guided by a deep sense of responsibility to those she serves. This was particularly evident in her work leading the Western Cape’s COVID-19 response and in establishing the province’s first Violence Protection Unit within the health department. These initiatives reflect her belief in addressing health holistically, considering the broader social determinants that impact community wellness.

In the corporate sphere, Prof. Mbombo has sought to bridge public and private efforts, always with the goal of improving health outcomes and community well-being. Her roles on various boards and in facilitating partnerships have been driven by a vision of inclusive, equitable healthcare access.

Public Service & Global Leadership

Prof. Mbombo has had the privilege of serving as the Provincial Minister of Health and is currently a member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. She also holds an Honorary Professorship at the University of the Western Cape. In these roles, she has strived to champion community-oriented solutions that address the complex interplay of physical, mental, and social well-being.

Prof. Mbombo’s commitment to public service extends beyond South Africa’s borders. She has had the honour of participating in international forums, contributing to global discussions on health policy, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and community development. These experiences have reinforced her belief in the power of collaboration and shared learning across cultures and nations.

At the heart of Prof. Mbombo’s work is a profound respect for the communities she serves and a steadfast belief in the potential of every individual to contribute to positive change. Whether in a hospital ward, a legislative chamber, or an international conference, she strives to listen, learn, and advocate for those whose voices often go unheard. Her mantra, “Where I am planted, I grow,” reflects a commitment to excellence and positive change in every role she undertakes.

Education

PhD

Gender and Human Rights,
University of the Western Cape

Applied Directorship Programme

from SIDAR

Master's Degree

Maternal & Child Health,
University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor's Degree

Nursing Science,
University of Fort Hare

Experience

    • Member of Western Cape Provincial Parliament (current, since 2014)

    • Former Provincial Minister of Health, Western Cape (9 years)

    • Member of the National Health Council for almost two terms

    • Former National Leader, Democratic Alliance Women's Network (DAWN)

    • Began public service career as a nurse undergraduate trainee in general nursing, community health, mental health, and midwifery (5 years)

    • Spent 7 years in clinical settings as a qualified nurse and postgraduate advanced midwife

    • Honorary Professor, School of Nursing, University of the Western Cape (current)

    • Former Associate Professor, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape

    • Nearly 17 years of experience in academia, from lecturer to associate professor

    • Research interests in Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights

    • Led Western Cape's COVID-19 response

    • Spearheaded health system reforms and innovations

    • Consultant and advisor to governments, multinationals, and non-profit organisations

    • National health ministry technical consultancy roles on reduction of maternal mortality in South Africa (8 years)

    • Inputs on the following health legislation: Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (B33-2022); National Health Insurance Bill (B11-2019); Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (B33-2022); National Health Insurance Bill (B11-2018); National Health Laboratory Service Amendment Bill (B15-2017); and National Public Health Institute of South Africa Bill (B16-2017)

    • Member of various boards of directors

    • Extensive experience in hosting and facilitating public-private partnerships with diverse stakeholders

    • Qualified director and consultant to governments and multinationals

    • Invited to join women Members of Parliament from 27 European Union countries at The Alliance of Her 2024 Academy, an initiative by ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe)

    • Participant in the Africa Liberal Women Network, supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy

    • Accredited non-political observer at the UK Elections 2024

    • Extensive travel across all continents, with short assignments for multinational organisations including the African Union, United Nations, and World Health Organisation

    • Over 20 years of international engagement, beginning in academic career description

Achievements & Notable Appointments 

First female and Black African appointed as Provincial Minister of Health in Western Cape history

Recognition Certificate from the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa for outstanding efforts in protecting the people of the Western Cape through the vaccine programme

Golden Key International Honour Society Member

The Western Cape Department of Health achieved 5 consecutive clean audits under her leadership, the only health department in South Africa to do so

University of the Western Cape Lifelong Learning Award as a mentor and inspiration to postgraduate students

Recognised as Mail & Guardian’s Power of Women: The Governing Woman 2023

International Scholar Laurete Program (ISLP) Award for creating global connections and positive change in the 21st century

Inaugural Patron, UCT Graduate School of Business Executive Leadership in Global Surgery Course

Recognition Certificate from Jhpiego for commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage