MEC Dhlomo to brief the media on his participation in the ultimate human race

The MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, invites the media to a media briefing where he wishes to challenge the business community to support three projects that he will be fundraising for as he runs the 2011 Comrades Marathon.

The briefing will be held in the grounds of the KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital (the old Addington Children’s Hospital) on Thursday May 26 at 08h15 where the MEC is expected to share his preparedness for the race and also challenge the business community to contribute to these projects.

"As I will be running I will be carrying the healthcare needs of the children of KwaZulu-Natal," says MEC Dhlomo. "This country is faced with four epidemics on the basis of which I wish to dedicate business contributions to the projects that I have identified."

The MEC has identified the four projects as the KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital (to which he will donate 50% of the proceeds), Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School in uMbumbulu (where he wishes to donate 30% of the proceeds towards the Audio Visual & Arts Centre and a Science Laboratory) and the Phumanathi Athletics Club (to which he wishes to donate 20% of the proceeds). This is a developing club that visits various communities to promote healthy lifestyles.

The MEC says that the province has one of the poorest outcomes relating to mothers and children. The KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital will arise from the restoration of the decaying Addington Children’s Hospital along Durban’s beachfront.

On hearing about the MEC’s qualification for the Comrades; business people from Newcastle have already committed to building a science laboratory at Sekusile High School which was identified as a poor performing school in 2010.

The media will have an opportunity to engage the MEC on his healthy lifestyle promotion concept, be taken on a tour of the old Addington Children’s Hospital and attend a presentation on plans for restoration, including viewing pictures of the old hospital. 

Journalists are requested to confirm attendance with:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
E-mail: chris.maxon@kznhealth.gov.za.

Special requests must also be indicated.