Media leak surprises Zuma

CAPE TOWN -- Health Minister Nkosazana Zuma yesterday said she would investigate the circumstances surrounding claims that she planned to axe director-general Olive Shisana.

While not directly denying that she planned to fire Dr Shisana, Dr Zuma said -- in a brief statement from Geneva -- that she had noted with surprise the media speculation ''regarding my attitude towards the continued employment of Dr Olive Shisana''.

Both women are attending a World Health Organisation meeting in Geneva and are set to return home on Saturday.

''I wish to state categorically that I have not discussed this matter with any of the officials in my ministry or department,'' Dr Zuma said.

''I will, however, on my return to the country, launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recent media reports and recommend an appropriate course of action, given the impact of these developments on the functioning of the department.''

Continued speculation on the matter did not advance ''the work we are engaged in as a collective to improve the health conditions of South Africa's people''.