Nelson Mandela Day celebrated in different health institutions

The provincial Health Department in partnership with the Department of Correctional Services embarked on a build up programme for the Nelson Mandela Day across the province from 14 to 18 July 2010.

Officials and stakeholders were encouraged to participate in an institution of their choice through any resources that can assist in changing the lives of that community.

Mandela Day is celebrated on 18 July each year as an initiative targeted at giving people in South Africa and all over the world the opportunity to do something good towards helping others.

Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was politically active for 67 years, and on Mandela Day people all over the world, in the workplace, at home and in schools, are called upon to spend at least 67 minutes of their time doing something useful within their communities, especially among the less fortunate.

A total of 60 offenders from three correctional centres (Mthatha, Middledrift and Butterworth) worked at Bedford Orthopedic hospital, SS Gida hospital and Butterworth hospital) where they painted walls and cut grass at the hospital grounds.

A member of provincial legislature (MPL) from the Eastern Cape provincial legislature, Mxolisi Dimaza also did his part and joined the inmates in the cutting of grass in and around the Bedford orthopaedic hospital.

At an event held in Butterworth hospital, a memorandum of understanding between the Eastern Cape Department of Health and the Department of Correctional Services Eastern Cape region was signed.

The taxi industry was also roped in at the Bedford hospital and they donated R500 worth of paint, to brighten up the paediatric ward at the hospital.

Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Mthatha hospital complex, Dr Mthandeki Xamlashe expressed his gratitude to all who played a role in the cleaning of the Bedford hospital and mentioned that the role played by the taxi industry is very important.

"The taxi industry is also part of the hospitals, they are working closely with our patients and employees and the relationship between the two needs to be strengthened," he said.

Mr Tafeni from the Mamela taxi rank said their involvement was a beginning of good things and wished for a good relationship between the taxi industry and the hospital.

Mxolisi Mpongwana was among the inmates who took part in the 67 minutes and he said it felt good to have contributed in helping the community.

"Even when I get out of jail, I will make sure that I participate in programmes like this one," he said.

Meanwhile, the same celebrations took place in Keiskamahoek at the SS Gida hospital where departmental officials, inmates from the nearby Middledrift Correctional Services Centre and the community at large gathered to improve the lives of the staff and patients of the hospital.

General Manager for hospital complexes, Dr Matiwane said the 67 minutes is the least people could do for the struggle icon who gave up his life to the struggle for the betterment of the lives of the people.

Dr Matiwane went on to thank the doctors especially those who are young and have dedicated themselves to serving the communities especially in rural areas.

Representative from the Department of Correctional Services, Mr Davashe said his department has a mandate to provide programmes to rehabilitate inmates to ensure a safe and secure society as part of the departments' societal responsibility.

Davashe ensured the SS Gida community that their visit was not the end but only the beginning.

"This is not the end whenever there is a need for work to be done at the hospital the Middledrift Correctional Centre will be here," Davashe concluded.

Source: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government