An open letter to South Africans

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – I write this letter to you not as the leader of the National Freedom Party (NFP) or the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology but as Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi, a fellow South African and human being, to clarify my situation and put your hearts at ease concerning my health.

First of all, I am alive. Secondly, I would like to apologise to you on behalf of my family and my team for the manner in which my sickness was handled. I know you have many questions concerning my health that have not been answered. Without shifting the responsibility I believe not being honest with you from the beginning was a mistake.

On November 17, 2014, I suffered a stroke in my Newcastle home. I went into a coma for days and there was a point where the doctors feared the worst. My family was prepared for the worst as the doctors gave me a 30 per cent chance of survival.

Unfortunately those around me did not know how to handle the situation so they informed the public that I was suffering from fatigue which is partly true since it is part of the causes of the stroke.

As politicians, we tend to forget that just like everybody else, we are human and we get drawn into serving our country, forgetting about our own health and that eventually caught up with me.

My stroke has forced me to take some time off to regain my strength. But I must admit, this was one of the most difficult and challenging periods of my life as I was unable to do what I do best, which is to serve you. My life has been dedicated to the people for over 30 years. In all those years, I have been nothing but a true and dedicated servant to my fellow South Africans. So finding myself in a position that stopped me from serving YOU has been the toughest period of my life.

But this time has had its benefits. Together with my medical team I have been able to regain my strength and to closely monitor all the elements that seem to be affecting the NFP of late for which I plead for us to hold hands and work together being guided by the constitution of the party to eradicate any negative aspects of those elements.

Yes, I had a close shave with death but God performed miracles so much that I am now able to write this letter to you. My medical team and I are working hard to ensure that I come back and join you in due time for the Local Government Elections (LGE). One of my priorities when I return would be to lead massive awareness campaigns against strokes.

On Friday, October 2, I met with traditional leaders and some of the NFP leadership. For those who did not attend, it is no reflection on you or your leadership. I did wish to see everyone but my medical team advised against it. They argued it was my first public engagement since the stroke, with which I truly concur. I assure you that I will meet with each and every one of you.

On that note, I ask all members of my party to join forces and work together in paving the way to the next LGE.

I love you and there is not a day that goes by in which I do not miss serving the South African public. I would like to assure you that I will be back to carry on with my God given purpose of being a servant to you, my fellow countrymen.

I would also like to thank you for the understanding you have had thus far and for your prayers which have kept me going. I am forever indebted to you.

In the name of serving the people,

Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi (MP)