/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

With the world celebrating International Children’s Day on 20 November, the vision of creating a specialist healthcare facility, that will complement the current healthcare system in Southern Africa, is rapidly becoming a reality and a landmark for all to be proud of.

Construction of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg, began on April 22 2014. The state-of-the-art hospital will have a specialised paediatric facility that will provide the children of Southern Africa with quality medical services irrespective of their economic status.

The hospital is the first of its kind to be built solely on the generosity of the world’s citizens: ordinary South Africans, global philanthropists, corporate institutions and even children themselves, as part of the For Kids by Kids initiative, have given donations. Making this hospital is a unique partnership between public sector, the private sector and civil society.

The hard work of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust (NMCHT) and compassion of the all the donors, both locally and abroad, have thus far raised R700 million. All efforts are focused on raising the balance required in time for the hospital’s opening at the end of 2016.

“Since its inception, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust has gotten support from donors, partners and various stakeholders who took it upon themselves to make sure that this, a living statue for Madiba, is built. And as we look towards its completion, we ask everyone to come together and help us finish this building.” says NMCHT CEO, Sibongile Mkhabela.

Project Overview:

Fundraising
·         To date R700 million has been raised towards the R1 billion target.
·         R1 billion target includes building, equipment, training, interior design, way finding as well as other capital costs.
·         Major donors include Islamic Relief, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DG Murray Trust, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and Macsteel.
·         The hospital is the first of its kind to be built solely on the generosity of the world’s citizens, making this hospital is a unique partnership between public sector, the private sector and civil society.
·         Through For Kids By Kids Campaign the children around the country have raised more than R100 000 towards the hospital.

Construction
·         Construction began on 22 April 2014, with the bulk earthworks stage.
·         Group Five was appointed in June 2014 to build the hospital, and is on track with the construction.
·         Hospital is targeted to open at the end of 2016.

Training
·         National Skills Fund has donated towards the training of nurses and doctors for the hospital.
·         HR Committee appointed to oversee the process.
·         Nearly 70 bursaries have been awarded to date – and more will be awarded.
·         Fellowship training has also commenced.

Interior design, way finding and artwork
·         Interior design team appointed in January 2015
·         Workshops with children, parents and medical professionals completed.
·         This is in the process of being implemented.

About the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust is fundraising to reach a target of R1 billion to build and equip the hospital, as well as train medical professionals to work in it.
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital will be a world class, highly advanced specialised children's hospital that will shape the lives of the children of Africa and shape the future of a greater Africa. It will work on a referral basis across all its centres of excellence.
The hospital will be located adjacent to Wits University’s Medical School in Parktown, Johannesburg. This is in close proximity to other medical facilities, and allows for paediatric academic teaching access from the Wits Medical School, maximising operational efficiencies and staffing models.
The hospital will employ approximately 150 doctors and 451 paediatric nursing professionals, as well as allied services.

To donate towards the building of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, SMS “GIFT” to 40301 (SMS cost R20. Terms, condition and administrative costs apply.)

Alternatively, visit www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org for more details and to donate.

Issued by The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital