Sick children from disadvantaged communities admitted in the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital Paediatric Ward celebrated the establishment a trust fund to improve conditions in children’s wards in public health institutions and an early Christmas as they received hugs, kisses and toys from North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise on Tuesday.
Three months twins Thabo and Thabang Segwele from impoverished Lonely Park village were part of the 31 children that received a hug and gifts of love from Premier Modise that brought a smile on their faces and momentarily made them forget their pains.
Members of Thandi Ruth Modise Humanitarian Trust Fund who accompanied the Premier handed over baby blankets, sheets, pillow cases and pillow cases to hospital authorities.
The trust supported by the business sector from around Mahikeng was established after Premier Modise adopted the children’s ward to ensure that it is in good condition, provides the best possible care for children, is properly maintained and the children stay in a clean and healthy ward.
“The conditions we had seen in this ward during Mandela Week tore at our hearts and called for urgent intervention towards revitalisation of the hospital so that it becomes the pride of our province,” emphasised the Premier.
Priorities identified by the trustees for which they had organised a fundraising golf day include structural repairs, air-conditioning for the neo-natal and playroom, furniture for playroom, linen and air-conditioning for children’s wards.
In thanking the trustee for their contribution towards the noble cause, Mme Modise said that the trust gives practical meaning to the African adage that, “It takes a village to raise a child.”She said that the trust would with support from the business sector extend its assistance to other children’s wards in public health institutions across the province.
Parents Moses and Pamela Mtshali whose 9-year-old son Litha told Modise that he wants to be President when he grows up said that the noble gesture has imbued their children with hope and should strengthen them to get well.
Cakes and lunch packs for the children were donated by Pick n Pay and Spur.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0140
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 0328
E-mail:LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
