13 December 2006
The Gauteng MEC for Health, Brian Hlongwa, provided an unforgettable early
Christmas experience for disabled children at the Cullinan Care and
Rehabilitation Psychiatric Centre near Pretoria.
About 48 children, most of who were neglected by their families were
showered with gifts during a pre-Christmas party hosted by Hlongwa. They
received brand new hanging and mobile toys, puzzles, balls, board games and
books.
Cullinan Care and Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1974 as a
Psychiatric Unit that offers rehabilitation and occupational therapy to
patients of all age groups. It has more than 200 patients.
Speaking at the Christmas party, Hlongwa commended all mental healthcare
professionals for the zeal they have shown in tackling the country's mental
health challenges. "We salute the entire Gauteng Mental Health Professionals
for heeding the call to take care of these special patients, especially those
who have been neglected by their families," he said. "You are the true servants
of the people."
Hlongwa said through this celebration "we are demonstrating that as
Government we are not sitting in some head office ivory tower, theorising about
health issues but we are visiting every health institution in the province to
have a feel of the daily challenges faced by our health professionals and their
patients."
Hlongwa visited three wards at the centre where he chatted, joked and played
with the children as he gave them gifts.
The centre's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Berneditor Mashele, thanked the
MEC for bestowing gifts to children, saying unwrapping of a new toy was what
the children looked forward to most. She said the MEC's caring gesture will go
a long way in boosting the morale of the centre's 266 staff members.
Enquiries:
Howard Ndaba
Cell: 082 334 9851
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
13 December 2006
Source: SAPA
