Dr Rolene Wagner is a medical doctor,  who obtained an MBChB from UCT in 1996 and her MPH from the SOPH in 2002. She has worked at the Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre and has served in the Eastern Cape Department of Health since 1999, rising through the ranks from a medical officer in primary health care to a senior and executive manager. She has held positions of Chief Director Human Resource Department and acting Deputy Director General (DDG): HR and Corporate Services, amongst others. 

From 2012, Rolene was the CEO of Frere Hospital in East London, South Africa. She had a clear focus, which was delivering an efficient, cost-effective and patient- centred health care service. As a result she and her team were able to transform Frere from the hospital known as ‘a place where babies go to die’ into one which is now nationally recognised for its achievements. 

Part of her achievements include a measurable improvement in patient safety with significant reductions in mortality and morbidity, the launch of  the first public hospital website and Facebook page as a means to engage with clients. 

In July 2021 Rolene was appointed as superintendent-general of the Eastern Cape health department.

Rolene has won a number of awards including the prestigious Business Women’s Association (BWA) 2016 Woman of the Year Award in the government category.