Empangeni
31 March 2009
Since 2004 the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, under the leadership of
Premier Sibusiso Ndebele, has prioritised rural development. The Sivananda
Luwamba Wellness Centre at Ntambanana near Empangeni, in northern
KwaZulu-Natal, forms part of this development. The first phase of the centre,
which costs approximately R17 million, will be officially opened this Friday, 3
April 2009.
Premier Ndebele will deliver the keynote address at the official opening
which will be attended by thousands of people including Members of the
Provincial Government Executive Council (MECs), members of the legislature,
mayors, councillors and members of the Divine Life Society of South Africa.
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, 3 April 2009
Venue: Luwamba (Ntambanana Municipality) near Empangeni
Time: 10h00
The aim of the Sivananda Luwamba Wellness Centre is to achieve cross
sectoral delivery through integrated development projects, which
encompasses:
* improved provision of government services
* enhanced opportunities for income generation and local economic
development
* improved physical infrastructure
* social cohesion and physical security
* effective provision for the sick and vulnerable.
This focus on health promotion decreases the demand for expensive curative
care, thereby decreasing costs and creating greater value. This is achieved
through clinic based health care, community based health care and community
development initiatives.
The Luwamba community was served by the Lutheran Church, from 1924, when the
church established the Luwamba Mission Station. A hospital was developed for
residents of what was known as the Biyela Reserve. On account of the great
demand, satellite stations were established for the neighbouring communities by
the American Lutheran Mission Board and Inkosi Obuka. In 1978, the hospital was
taken over by the apartheid state and subsequently closed.
In 2004, the provincial government held an Izimbizo at Luwamba, at which a
commitment was made to develop a health centre at this site. In 2006, a weekly
clinic facility was established and operated from a prefab structure. This did
not meet the requirements of the community and the traditional leadership of
the area approached Premier Ndebele for assistance. The Premier solicited the
assistance of the Head of the Divine Life Society of South Africa who pledged a
sum of R7 million towards a multi purpose centre. The remainder of the funding
was provided by the provincial government.
The anchor service would be a health centre with a step down facility
comprising 38 beds. This will be supplemented by a Voluntary Counselling and
Testing Centre for HIV and AIDS, a drop in centre for indigent children and
pensioners, an Early Childhood Development Centre for 80 children, a peace
centre that will house income generation and skills training projects as well
as offices to house various government departments including agriculture,
social development, community safety and housing.
As part of the second phase, a community hall and staff residence will be
established. There is also a commitment from the Department of Housing to
establish a human settlement for 250 families on 250 hectares of land that has
already been acquired from the Department of Land Affairs.
This project attempts to build on previous experience with national
development programmes, as well as assimilating key lessons from similar
efforts worldwide. The Sivananda Luwamba Wellness Centre is designed to realise
a vision that will attain healthy, socially cohesive and stable rural
communities with viable institutions, sustainable economies and universal
access to social amenities.
All media are invited to attend.
RSVPs by or no later than 10h00 on Thursday, 2 April 2009 to:
Nothando Sibiya
Tel: 033 341 3342
E-mail: sibiyanz@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Journalists who require transport contact:
Jeff Hassan
Cell: 082 884 1872
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Email: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
31 March 2009
