In recognition of Mandela Day, management and staff of the Health Department gave 67 minutes of their time to making a difference to the lives of the children admitted at the paediatric ward of Bhisho Hospital.
The volunteers from the department cleaned the children's ward, replaced bed linen, pampered the children with gifts (toys, chairs, tables and books) and invited clowns to entertain them.
Acting Superintendent General, Mr P Zitumane, played an active role on the day and while washing windows and floors, stated that the day was a demonstration of the selflessness and sacrifice that Mandela showed in the 67 years that he was actively involved in the politics of South Africa. He called upon all South Africans to do good for other people on a daily basis.
Mr Zitumane brought his 12 year old daughter, Asanda Zitumane, along to help, as he said the day was about educating, and education should start at an early age. Other volunteers from the department, Luyanda Bukwana and Phindelwa Bongco, said that they were very excited to have done good on the day. "It is very exciting to see men making beds, mopping floors and cleaning windows," said Bongco.
According to Bongco, the gifts for the children were a donation from the Nutrition Directorate of the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
Most of the volunteers, including the acting SG, thought it would be a good idea if the officials would do this on a monthly basis. "We want to show the children that they are important to us and we love them," said Zitumane.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
20 July 2009
Source: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
