(KZN) counterpart
24 January 2006
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and the Health MECs from
all provinces have expressed their condolences to the KZN Health MEC, Ms Peggy
Nkonyeni for the loss of her son.
Nkonyeni's son, Monde (16), was injured in a car accident in Port Shepstone,
in the KZN South Coast this morning while on the way to school. He was
airlifted to St Augustine Hospital in Durban where he was confirmed dead on
arrival.
Nkonyeni's 12 year-old daughter, Sithabile, who was in the same car is in a
stable condition in a hospital in the South Coast and her brother, Steve (23)
was treated and discharged.
Nkonyeni was attending a two-day meeting of the Minister and the MECs
(National Health Council) in Pretoria when she learnt of the tragic accident
and had to urgently fly back to Durban. She met her son at St Augustine shortly
before he was confirmed dead.
"The news came as a shock to all of us at the National Health Council. We
will do everything we can to ensure that our colleague and comrade, Peggy
Nkonyeni finds strength to deal with yet another traumatic death of one of her
children," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
Nkonyeni also lost one of her two daughters when her house was attacked amid
intense political violence in the South Coast in 1995.
The National Health Council was meeting for the first time this year to
discuss the priorities for the health sector for year, 2006.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Spokesperson for the Minister of Health
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
24 January 2006
