PRESS RELEASE
SANAC BIDS FAREWELL TO FORMER CEO DR THEMBISILE XULU, NOW DG OF
HEALTH
PRETORIA – 01 October 2026: The Board of Trustees of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) bids farewell to former Chief Executive Officer Dr Thembisile Xulu, who stepped down from her role effective 30 September 2026 to take up a new position as
Director-General of the National Department of Health.
During her six-year tenure as CEO, Dr Xulu provided strategic leadership in strengthening collaboration across government, civil society, communities and development partners. Her leadership helped advance South Africa’s coordinated response to HIV, TB and STIs, while guiding SANAC through significant public health and funding challenges, including the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Xulu commenced her duties as SANAC CEO on 01 October 2020, at a critical time when South Africa, like much of the world, was grappling with the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic placed unprecedented pressure on the health system
and disrupted the delivery of essential services, including HIV, TB and STIs programmes. She therefore assumed leadership at a time that demanded resilience, adaptability and a strong focus on sustaining the national response while navigating an unprecedented public health crisis.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire organisation, I wish to thank Dr Thembisile Xulu for her extraordinary vision and dedication. Dr Xulu has demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and a steadfast commitment to ethics and integrity, alongside an
unwavering commitment to public health governance. Her elevation to Director-General is a clear recognition of her capability, dedication, and the transformative work she has driven within our organisation,” said Mr Bonolo Ramokhele, Chairperson of the Board. “While we are saddened to see such an impactful leader leave SANAC, we are immensely proud to see her take on this prestigious new role. It is testament to Dr Xulu’s world-class capability,
and we wish her every success in this next chapter.”
The Board of Trustees has appointed Dr Rogerio Phili, currently Executive Manager: Resource Mobilisation and Donor Coordination, as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2026. He assumes the role following Dr Xulu’s departure. In his acting capacity, Dr Phili will oversee day-to-day operations and guide the organisation’s ongoing strategic priorities while the Board undertakes a comprehensive
process to appoint a permanent successor. “We are fortunate to have an executive of Dr Phili’s calibre and institutional knowledge already serving within SANAC,” said Mr Ramokhele, adding that the “the Board has full confidence in his leadership to ensure seamless continuity for employees, partners and stakeholders during this transition period.”
For media queries, please contact Mr Nelson Dlamini, on 078 731 0313 / nelson@sanac.org.za / communications@sanac.org.za
Issued by: South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Secretariat