Gugu R.
Executive Public Health Program Director
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Gugu R. is the Chief Executive Officer at Save the Children South Africa, with a rich career spanning over 30 years in community development, social sciences, and public health. Her expertise lies in designing and evaluating policies to protect vulnerable children. She has led initiatives at national and district levels, focusing on child rights and integrating climate resilience into education systems. Ms. R. has been pivotal in engaging in dialogues on environmental sustainability, emphasizing child-centric policies. As a skilled project manager, she handles a budget exceeding 80 million rands, overseeing 13 projects across five provinces. She has led strategic plans for PATH and SCSA, playing a critical role in stakeholder management and research-driven program evaluation. Internationally, Ms. R. contributed to HIV/AIDS strategies within the health and agriculture sectors, underlined by her work with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, where she managed HIV care programs and contributed to strategic planning. Her educational background includes a Master's in Public Health and she is a PhD candidate.
Experience
Chief Executive Officer
Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) · 2016 — 2022Oversee and manage all organizational programs focused on Education, Early Childhood Development, Health & Nutrition, Child Protection, and Child Rights & Governance. Advocate for the rights of marginalized children, ensuring access to appropriate services for their caregivers and communities. Conduct program design, planning, implementation, and research while managing stakeholder relations and budgets.National Project Manager
PATH in the Windows of Opportunity Project · 2012 — 2016Provide leadership and technical direction for a project aimed at improving child health and development in four South African districts. Responsible for staffing, project planning, and collaborating with provincial and district management to identify needs in child health. Monitor and evaluate project activities, reporting to funders and stakeholders.Public Health Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) South Africa · 2011 — 2012Develop strategies and interventions for improving prevention efforts among HIV-positive individuals. Offer technical support to the national health department and various CDC-funded partners, focusing on enhancing community and behavioral prevention interventions.Program Manager
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF/South Africa) · 2008 — 2011Manage activities in Gauteng and Free State Provinces, overseeing HIV/AIDS care, management, and quality improvement initiatives. Develop strategic plans, reports, and provide technical assistance to health officials and partners, supervising program officers to ensure target achievements.Consultant
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries · 2009 — 2009Develop an HIV and AIDS Strategy for the Agriculture Sector in South Africa.Senior Programme Officer
Family Health International · 2006 — 2008Coordinate multiple projects related to HIV/AIDS prevention and reproductive health. Responsibilities include budget management, training, monitoring project activities, and supporting program implementation in accordance with national health guidelines.Provincial Coordinator
IPHC project Mpumalanga · 2003 — 2006Facilitate project planning and coordination, mentoring provincial and district management while overseeing project activities geared towards integrating HIV & AIDS into Primary Health Care. Ensure key performance indicators are met and support district health management.District Health Information Management Facilitator
Company not specified · 2003 — 2003Provide technical support to health service providers in utilizing the District Health Information System, focusing on data collection, analysis, and operational planning.Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator
National Department of Health, Hospital Services Cluster · 2001 — 2002Facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the hospital revitalization program, developing performance indicators and reporting frameworks while coordinating with national and provincial health officers.Lecturer
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, National School of Public Health in MEDUNSA · 2000 — 2001Teach and develop courses in Public Health education, health promotion, and qualitative research methods.Lecturer
Medunsa Nursing Department · 1998 — 2000Facilitate lessons in Community Nursing Science and engage in curriculum development, student evaluation, and supervision.Senior Community Health Nurse
Kempton Park/Tembisa Local Council – Spartan Clinic · 1996 — 1998Acting Clinic head and TB coordinator responsible for clinic management and staff training.Public Health Nurse and Lecturer
Institute of Health Sciences, Mbabane · 1995 — 1996In charge of in-service training for community health nurses and responsible for teaching, mentoring, and evaluation.Senior Community Health Nurse
Horo Clinic, Swaziland · 1990 — 1994Supervise community health programs and manage comprehensive health service provision.Professional Nurse
Piggs Peak hospital, Swaziland · 1987 — 1990Responsible for medical, surgical, maternity, pediatric, and emergency care.
Skills & Expertise
Education
- Master of Public HealthNational School of Public Health · 2002 — 2002
- Bachelor of Nursing with Honours in Community Health Nursing and Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment and CareMedunsa · 1997 — 1997
- Bachelor of Nursing Education, Nursing Administration and Community Nursing ScienceMedunsa · 1994 — 1994
- Diploma in MidwiferyInstitute of Health Sciences · 1987 — 1987
- Diploma in NursingInstitute of Health Sciences · 1986 — 1986
- PhD CandidateUniversity of Western Cape
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