Nelson Mandela’s dream for children realised at last
JOHANNESBURG – The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital is boosted by a strong partnership with Canada.
Nikita Fernandes
The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, located in Johannesburg, has been designed to be a specialist, referral only, tertiary facility and is expected to admit its first patient in June this year.
With the help of the Government of Canada’s Department of Global Affairs Canada and the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund can finally realise Madiba’s dream of a hospital dedicated to the children of the nation.
One of the play areas in the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital to help admitted children feel comfortable, at ease and happy.
The Canadian government has graciously donated R25 million to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital project to help provide world-class healthcare to the future generations of South Africa.
Former South African president, Mandela envisioned a life of hope for South African children. In 1995, he launched the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and stated, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
The commemorative plaque handed over by High Commissioner, Sandra McCardell, upon the announcement of the partnership between SickKids and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital this week.
As of December last year, a part of his vision has been realised with the completion of the building and equipment installation at the hospital.
“We realised that a children’s hospital has to have something that sets it apart,” said Mandela Children’s Fund CEO, Sibongile Mkhabela.
“So if you walk around this hospital, you will see many things were designed by children.”
Canadian High Commissioner, Sandra McCardell, revealed that the Canadian Government has donated R25 million to help Madiba’s vision become a reality.
Located in Johannesburg, it has been designed to be a specialist, referral only, tertiary facility. The 200-bed hospital is expected to admit its first patient in June this year and once operational, it will be the second hospital in South Africa dedicated to children and the fifth in all of Africa.
Mkhabela added that SickKids understood the vision of providing a hospital to fulfil Madiba’s last dream. “Culturally, we are quite different, but we found that SickKids were able to see the possibilities that we were seeing, so we are grateful to SickKids for guiding us on this journey,” said Mkhabela.
By partnering with SickKids and the Canadian Government, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund can finally realise Madiba’s dream to build a hospital dedicated to the children of the nation.
SickKids is one of the world’s leading paediatric healthcare institutions. Cathy Séguin, vice-president of International Affairs for SickKids, referred to the announcement of the partnership as a celebration. “Much like Nelson Mandela’s vision, SickKids believes that where you live shouldn’t determine if you live.”
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Canadian High Commissioner Sandra McCardell said Canada placed a priority on empowering health systems on a global scale. “Canadian development programming seeks to help strengthen South Africa’s public institutions to meet the needs of the South African population, including marginalised groups,” McCardell said.
“Hence our focus on supporting South Africa’s National Development Plan to reduce poverty and inequality, promote inclusive economic growth and build a more capable State.”
Filler: What are your thoughts on the establishment of Madiba’s dream to help the children of the nation? Let the Rosebank Killarney Gazette know by emailing your comments to rkg@caxton.co.za
