MEC Dhlomo observes the Nelson Mandela Day with disabled children and people with TB

The MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will observe the Nelson Mandela International Day, 18 July by giving wheelchairs to disabled children in Empangeni and Melmoth as well as spend time working at a tuberculosis (TB) special hospital in the south of Durban.

Nelson Mandela Day, also known as Mandela Day, is held on July 18 each year. The day remembers Mandela’s achievements in working towards conflict resolution, democracy, human rights, peace, and reconciliation.

Nelson Mandela Day not only celebrates Nelson Mandela’s life, but it is also a call to action for people to recognise their ability to have a positive effect on others around them. The day hopes to inspire people to embrace the values that Mandela shared. These values include democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, reconciliation, and respect.

The MEC’s day will start with a visit to Sinalo Cerebral Palsy Centre in Empangeni, at 8h00, where he would visit children with cerebral palsy and donate a special wheelchair to a young girl who made a request to the President. 

Smangele Fuse is a 10 year old girl who was born with Cerebral Palsy (diplegic). Her mother passed away when she was eight months old and she was then raised by her grandmother who is also a single parent. They live at Ngwelezana Township in a four bedroom house and survive on the child’s disability grant and grandmother’s pension. She’s been attending therapy at Ngwelezana hospital since her diagnosis and has achieved milestones such as sitting independently. Functionally, she is able to feed and dress herself but she is not yet toilet trained.

Currently she is using a kiddie’s wheelchair for her mobility which is inappropriate for her as it limits her independence as she has functionality in one hand. Smangele attends an Early Childhood Development class at the centre and will benefit from a motorised wheelchair as she is able to mobilise herself using one hand and will also be able to attend other activities (such as church) without overburdening her grandmother.

He will then visit another home in Melmoth for children with disabilities where he will give wheelchairs to those children who need them.

The day will end, at 14h00, with the MEC visiting Charles James TB Hospital, in kwaMakhutha, where he will spend time with TB patients and also plant vegetables as part of the programme to encourage home gardens.

Many people and organisations around the world take part in many activities to promote Nelson Mandela Day. Various events are also held on or around 18 July to honour Nelson Mandela’s works and to promote the different projects that were inspired by Mandela’s achievements.

Journalists are invited to join the MEC’s visits and are requested to confirm attendance with:

Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
E-mail: chris.maxon@kznhealth.gov.za