function for Dr Ronald Chapman, Mr Mosiuoa Shuping and Professor Marlene J
Viljoen, Bloem Spa Lodge
15 March 2007
Programme director
Dr Chapman
Mr Shuping
Professor Viljoen
Honoured guests
Ladies and gentlemen
I stand here before you tonight with a heavy heart. I am bidding goodbye to
three valuable members of my management team and individuals who each have
taught me a lot since I was given the privilege to lead this department in
2004. In every person's life there comes a time when you bid farewell and
goodbye to one period in your life and enter another. This is true for Dr
Ronald Chapman, Mr Mosiuoa Shuping and Professor Marlene J Viljoen.
Programme director, allow me to briefly address each of our colleagues
individually. I can describe Professor Viljoen as a woman whose dedication to
quality training and learning has taught me the value of investing in people
and skills development. She is seen as a remarkable leader in her field, always
a lady and willing to lend a helping hand. Professor Viljoen, thank you for the
valuable contribution you have made in nursing education in the Free State as
well as to the overall management of the Department of Health. I trust that the
university will value the contribution and your unique approach to people
management.
Programme director, Mosiuoa Shadrack Shuping has been a rock for me to lean
on since I joined the department in 2004. Amongst his many accomplishments, one
that stands out is his unwavering dedication and commitment to the development
of the district health system in the province. Not only is he seen as a
visionary leader but also one who always brings the element of community into
our fold. I will miss your advice, insight and knowledge of the health system
in the country. I trust that your new working environment will be as
stimulating and challenging as the one you are leaving behind.
I have had the privilege to work with Dr Ronald Chapman and acting head of
department for the past year and during this time respect for him as an
executive manager, loyal civil servant and human being has grown with leaps and
bounds. Dr Chapman in my view is truly a remarkable lateral thinker and
innovative manager. His contributions towards the development of the
department's successes are reflected in the existence of iCam and the
sophisticated information technology network. His leadership style has resulted
in amongst others, the establishment and success of the antiretroviral
treatment programme, which is a leader in the country. Dr Chapman I will miss
'having a cup of tea' with you, your passion and dedication for innovation,
always having time for a chat and the competent manner in which you have led
this department. I wish you much joy and happiness in your new working
environment.
In conclusion, although we are saddened tonight with the farewells and
goodbyes, it is not the end of the road but merely the beginning of a journey.
Each of us will keep a part of you in our hearts and that which you have taught
us. May the future be what you would like it to be. I wish you all the best in
your future endeavours. Warmest thoughts will be with you wherever you may go.
My last words to you are "Whatever is born of God is victorious over the world
and this is the victory that conquers the world" (1 John 5:4).
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
15 March 2007
