Date: 06/04/2004
Source: Department of Public Enterprises
Title: J Radebe: Phelophepa Health Train 10th anniversary celebration
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHELOPHEPA HEALTH TRAIN. MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FROM JEFF RADEBE, MP, MINISTER OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND ACTING MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, 6 April 2004
Happy Birthday and Congratulations Phelophepa! May you have many more! Your celebrations fall into one of the busiest times of any democracy.... A mere 6 days before South Africans go to the polls to elect government of their choice. Please accept my special greetings from afar as I am unable to be with you in Umtata today and this evening.
Just 2 weeks ago I was able to pay a quiet visit to Phelophepa when it was in King Williamstown. What I enjoyed especially about my visit was the fact that it was a normal working day, providing an indispensable service to our people. Truly, anyone who has witnessed and seen professionalism of the volunteers, security personnel, community representatives, medical staff, students and assistants of Phelophepa family can only be impressed. But the strongest proof of the train's contribution to lives of ordinary people is reflected in the eyes and gestures of people who come to the train for treatment.
Phelophepa is a microcosm of our new society, this young, dynamic non-racial society that is imbued with the spirit of ubuntu, of compassion, and of the virtue of sharing with others gifts and skills bestowed upon some of us by the Creator. The selflessness of the medical students and practitioners, even those who have worked on the train and have moved on to other pastures, provides a distinct and unique example for all South Africans to follow. Thank you, on behalf of the ANC Government, for the tremendous work you are doing, and the manner in which you do it.
I have noted that the demand for Phelophepa's services exceeds what we are able to schedule, even to the extent that the train cannot visit all provinces in one year. Many of the staff have stated clearly the depth of sadness that the departure of the train causes them, in the knowledge that they must leave some patients unattended. Phelophepa contributes to the delivery of primary health care to millions of our people and it functions as much as a mobile clinic and hospital as it is a specialist facility integrated into local health care institutions.
The power of Phelophepa is a power that generates hope and trust, health and prosperity. Visitors to the train cannot help but notice that this is no gravy train for the people who work here. The facilities are Spartan but well run and efficiently maintained. The accommodation space is tiny but has been transformed into homes away from home. But I am concerned at planned budget cuts that will cut into the efficient operation of the train. I am pleased that plans to accommodate these cuts have consistently refused to undermine quality of health care the train provides. But in doing so, they have had to turn towards cutting costs in the maintenance of the wagons themselves and reducing what little comforts remain to the personnel. I don't think this is sensible, and would urge the powers that be to look again at this issue.
Phelophepa exists primarily out of Transnet's generosity, but it cannot operate without the tremendous support of academic institutions, benevolent societies and community organisations, government and local structures, business enterprises from the state and private sectors, multinationals, professional bodies and a whole range of business units, divisions and entities covered by the Transnet umbrella. I must mention Roche Products and Colgate Palmolive who have been with Phelophepa since its inception. Others have joined the train along the way, and I trust that there will be many more sponsors waiting at stations along the line. Phelophepa is also honoured to be graced by generosity also of the "Friends of Phelophepa" that includes Archbishop and Mrs Tutu and other wonderful people gathered across South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada and the USA.
I have had the privilege of addressing fundraising functions in the USA and elsewhere on a number of occasions and I have always been impressed by the enthusiasm that Phelophepa instils in all who come to hear about it. I wish you everything of the best as you embark on further fundraising initiatives in London and beyond in the near future. Let it be known that Phelophepa has the full and committed support of the ANC Government in South Africa.
Today is April 6, the anniversary of the execution of Solomon Mahlangu by the apartheid regime. The ANC and freedom fighters everywhere have honoured the memory of that young man over the years and have drawn attention to his dedication to the struggle, his love for his people, the sacrifice of his family. As we celebrate the 10 years of Phelophepa's success, may we also pause to reflect that much still needs to be done in our great country. The process of reconciliation still needs to heal many corners of our land as we continue the struggle to build a society that so many have died in creating.
Let us recall too, that tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, a terrible crime facilitated by the world communities' withdrawal from that country at its hour of need. In the midst of the horror, heroes emerged in the form of a few international peacekeepers who refused to follow orders to withdraw, and stayed to do what little they could to save as many men, women and children as they could. Rwanda's commemoration reminds us just how precious our young democracy is, how fragile the enterprise of human community can be, how central human rights are to our celebration of victory.
In the midst of South Africa's challenges, and the enormity of the poverty that afflicts so many, Phelophepa stands as a beacon to guide and to call our country to service in the cause of others. For this I thank and congratulate you all, and pray that your work continues for the benefit of all our people.
For more details contact
Miranda Strydom
Cell: 082 908 8976
Issued by: Department of Public Enterprises
6 April 2004
Source: Department of Public Enterprises
Title: J Radebe: Phelophepa Health Train 10th anniversary celebration
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHELOPHEPA HEALTH TRAIN. MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FROM JEFF RADEBE, MP, MINISTER OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND ACTING MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, 6 April 2004
Happy Birthday and Congratulations Phelophepa! May you have many more! Your celebrations fall into one of the busiest times of any democracy.... A mere 6 days before South Africans go to the polls to elect government of their choice. Please accept my special greetings from afar as I am unable to be with you in Umtata today and this evening.
Just 2 weeks ago I was able to pay a quiet visit to Phelophepa when it was in King Williamstown. What I enjoyed especially about my visit was the fact that it was a normal working day, providing an indispensable service to our people. Truly, anyone who has witnessed and seen professionalism of the volunteers, security personnel, community representatives, medical staff, students and assistants of Phelophepa family can only be impressed. But the strongest proof of the train's contribution to lives of ordinary people is reflected in the eyes and gestures of people who come to the train for treatment.
Phelophepa is a microcosm of our new society, this young, dynamic non-racial society that is imbued with the spirit of ubuntu, of compassion, and of the virtue of sharing with others gifts and skills bestowed upon some of us by the Creator. The selflessness of the medical students and practitioners, even those who have worked on the train and have moved on to other pastures, provides a distinct and unique example for all South Africans to follow. Thank you, on behalf of the ANC Government, for the tremendous work you are doing, and the manner in which you do it.
I have noted that the demand for Phelophepa's services exceeds what we are able to schedule, even to the extent that the train cannot visit all provinces in one year. Many of the staff have stated clearly the depth of sadness that the departure of the train causes them, in the knowledge that they must leave some patients unattended. Phelophepa contributes to the delivery of primary health care to millions of our people and it functions as much as a mobile clinic and hospital as it is a specialist facility integrated into local health care institutions.
The power of Phelophepa is a power that generates hope and trust, health and prosperity. Visitors to the train cannot help but notice that this is no gravy train for the people who work here. The facilities are Spartan but well run and efficiently maintained. The accommodation space is tiny but has been transformed into homes away from home. But I am concerned at planned budget cuts that will cut into the efficient operation of the train. I am pleased that plans to accommodate these cuts have consistently refused to undermine quality of health care the train provides. But in doing so, they have had to turn towards cutting costs in the maintenance of the wagons themselves and reducing what little comforts remain to the personnel. I don't think this is sensible, and would urge the powers that be to look again at this issue.
Phelophepa exists primarily out of Transnet's generosity, but it cannot operate without the tremendous support of academic institutions, benevolent societies and community organisations, government and local structures, business enterprises from the state and private sectors, multinationals, professional bodies and a whole range of business units, divisions and entities covered by the Transnet umbrella. I must mention Roche Products and Colgate Palmolive who have been with Phelophepa since its inception. Others have joined the train along the way, and I trust that there will be many more sponsors waiting at stations along the line. Phelophepa is also honoured to be graced by generosity also of the "Friends of Phelophepa" that includes Archbishop and Mrs Tutu and other wonderful people gathered across South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada and the USA.
I have had the privilege of addressing fundraising functions in the USA and elsewhere on a number of occasions and I have always been impressed by the enthusiasm that Phelophepa instils in all who come to hear about it. I wish you everything of the best as you embark on further fundraising initiatives in London and beyond in the near future. Let it be known that Phelophepa has the full and committed support of the ANC Government in South Africa.
Today is April 6, the anniversary of the execution of Solomon Mahlangu by the apartheid regime. The ANC and freedom fighters everywhere have honoured the memory of that young man over the years and have drawn attention to his dedication to the struggle, his love for his people, the sacrifice of his family. As we celebrate the 10 years of Phelophepa's success, may we also pause to reflect that much still needs to be done in our great country. The process of reconciliation still needs to heal many corners of our land as we continue the struggle to build a society that so many have died in creating.
Let us recall too, that tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, a terrible crime facilitated by the world communities' withdrawal from that country at its hour of need. In the midst of the horror, heroes emerged in the form of a few international peacekeepers who refused to follow orders to withdraw, and stayed to do what little they could to save as many men, women and children as they could. Rwanda's commemoration reminds us just how precious our young democracy is, how fragile the enterprise of human community can be, how central human rights are to our celebration of victory.
In the midst of South Africa's challenges, and the enormity of the poverty that afflicts so many, Phelophepa stands as a beacon to guide and to call our country to service in the cause of others. For this I thank and congratulate you all, and pray that your work continues for the benefit of all our people.
For more details contact
Miranda Strydom
Cell: 082 908 8976
Issued by: Department of Public Enterprises
6 April 2004
Advertisement
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
