Over 30 years ago (1 May 1980) one of the largest hospitals in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, named after King Solomon kaDinuzulu's brother, Prince Arthur Edward Mshiyeni kaDinuzulu opened its doors to serve the community of Umlazi and surrounding areas. Now the hospital serves the greater part of the Durban south and western areas with a estimated population of more than 2 million people.
"It will be a 'Royal celebration', given that the hospital was named after a member of the royal family," says Professor Rachel Gumbi Acting Chief Executive Officer at the hospital.
The department will host commemorative celebrations on the 5 May 2011 that will be held in two parts.
The first part will be held at the hospital where various dignitaries will meet the staff, management as well as retired managers and staff as well as those who left the hospital to pursue other careers. These include the President of COSATU Mr Sdumo Dlamini, the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal Mrs Weziwe Thusi and the former Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Mrs Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya. The business community from the surrounding business areas of Prospecton, Isipingo, Bluff and Amanzimtoti will also be invited to be part of these celebrations.
The second part will be a community celebration at King Zwelithini Stadium where various guests will speak to the community about the importance of ensuring that healthcare services respond to their needs. Among the expected guests are the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, His Majesty King Zwelithini and the Royal Household and the Mayor of eThekwini to mention a few.
MEC Dhlomo said ahead of the event; "The population of more than two million of Umlazi and surroundings have suffered from inadequate health service provision. All of them now find comfort here." The hospital is the face of public healthcare in the province, believes MEC Dhlomo, as the largest number of babies (more than 1 200 per month) are born at this hospital. "It is therefore befitting that the department, together with the community and staff, celebrates the 30 years of its existence."
The media is invited to the events of the day and are request to confirm attendance for accreditation purposes with:
Nonkululeko Ngcobo
E-mail: Nonkululeko.ngcobo@kznhealth.gov.za
Cell: 084 293 5311
Sifiso Xulu
E-mail: Sharon.thusi@kznhealth.gov.za
Cell: 072 913 6662
Media enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
