Friday the 16th of November 2018 was like Christmas came early to the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH) children’s ward as the Eastern Cape SUV Challenge, Umhlobo Wenene FM and the Eastern Cape Department of Health handed over 100 toys to the children. The hospital was chosen because it is a historical hospital which has had the first nurse to qualify as a registered nurse.
The Eastern Cape SUV Challenge was created to celebrate 100 years of Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu. The 100 cars (SUVs) and 100 toys signifies 100 years of these stalwarts. The National Heritage Council, Department of Transport and Department of Health, worked together in this campaign to make sure road accidents decrease during the festive session and Easters, which means less work for the Department of Health.
The acting CEO of CMH Mr.Mzimasi Lusasa welcomed guests saying he is very humbled that the hospital was chosen and that this campaign should never end. The National Heritage Council CEO Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa promised that this campaign won’t end this year, but will be a continuous campaign for every festive season and Easter holidays. “The event will be linked to road safety campaigns and will be held twice a year – during the Easter holidays and the festive season”, said Mancotywa.
On behalf of the Health MEC Helen Sauls - August, Mr Simon. Kaye, the CFO of the Department of Health thanked the HODs and all the staff members for their presence. “This collaboration with the National Heritage Council and the Department of Transport should not end because when the roads are safe the Department of health can work with less pressure”, said Kaye.
The health department brought five doctors and a number of nurses to Nqadu where the medical staff attended to the community free of charge, providing a range of services, including dentistry, HIV/Aids counselling and hearing and sight tests.
The event was graced by the presence of five popular Umhlobo Wenene presenters and producers and they serve as an inspiration for the rural youth as most of them also come from rural areas.
Lihle Ntutumbo
