Minister of Health M Tshabalala-Msimang speaks at the South African Medical Association Annual Merit Awards Gala Dinner

Programme director,
Recipients of tonight's awards and your families,
The families of the Human Rights and Health awards,
Chairperson and President of SAMA,
Members of Awards Committee,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen:

Good evening.

I am overwhelmed by feelings of joy that our South African Medical Association (SAMA) has called the medical fraternity and our friends to join together in honour of men and women, who, through their selfless efforts continue to stand up for the promotion and the defence of all the citizens of our beloved South Africa and their rights to access health services in line with the spirit of our democratic constitution.

Yes, this occasion is not merely about honouring but also to celebrate the outstanding constitution made by the current award recipients for advancing the noble culture of human rights as well as the restoration of dignity for our communities.

We sincerely thank and are immediately humbled by these women and men who continue to do their work amongst the communities with a heightened sense of dedication and commitment. Not only have their work ensured access to health care but guaranteed that we, as a nation, will strive ever more with vigour so that the quality of life for our people is enhanced. These men and women stand out as true cadres of our people who truly led by example. They are in fact a component of the inspiring leadership of our country. We salute them.

It is common knowledge that the history of any nation bestows a particular respect on a few of its leaders. South Africa is no different. For us as a new nation born out of the cinders of strife and struggle, we pay special homage to a few of that league such as former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, popularly known in political circles as NR and, the late Bantu Steven Biko of the Black Consciousness Movement, which energised the struggle of the Black oppressed to remain steadfastly in the shadow of brutal torture and oppression.

President Mandela has been a definitive icon of human rights and many both within and outside our borders join in celebrating this great role that Madiba play with the latest being the unveiling of his statue in Parliament Square in London last month. SAMA today joins millions of other people and organisations all over the world in acknowledging Madiba's remarkable dedication to freedom, democracy and social upliftment.

I am reminded of what Madiba said one year after the dawn of our democracy in 1994 and I quote: "We all share in the pride of knowing that amongst the very first actions of the democratic government was the initiation of two successful programmes in the field of health. Over four million school children are being fed each day and there is free health-care for pregnant mothers and young children."

Indeed, these programmes continue to benefit millions of children in our country who otherwise their health would have been undermined by food insecurity and lack of access to health services. As part of the collective of the ANC in government, President Nelson Mandela highlighted the importance of addressing social determinants of health as a measure to improve health and social status of our people.

In the same speech delivered in Cape Town on March 6, 1995, President Mandela said: "Access to clean water, adequate food, housing, employment and sanitation play a decisive role in determining the health status of a population and this government is committed to providing these over time. While effective changes in health service provision will improve access to health care, long-term improvements in the health of our people hinge on tangible improvements in living conditions."

This statement by President Mandela expresses the firm view of the ANC in acknowledging the role of poverty and underdevelopment that millions of our people were subjected to, in undermining the health of our population.

On his part, Steve Biko wrote and spoke at length about these conditions of abject poverty that our people were subjected to and the role of colonialism and apartheid in undermining the dignity of our people.

Of all the many important issues that President Thabo Mbeki raised in the lecture marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Steve Biko on Wednesday, one section brought me most pain as we reflect on the life of this great leader of the struggle against apartheid.

This is the section where President Thabo Mbeki quotes Dr Wendy Orr's article in the Sunday Independent where she states that in the Steve Biko file kept at the headquarters of the Department of Justice, Steve is reported as having said to his killers: "I ask for water to wash myself with and also soap, a washing cloth and a comb. I want to be allowed to buy food. I live on bread only here. Is it compulsory for me to be naked? I am naked since I came here."

President Thabo Mbeki goes on to say: "These few and simple words, which speak to the most basic human needs, tell everything that needs to be told about why Steve Biko was right to dedicate his life to the defeat of the criminal ideology of racism, to liberate our country from the clutches of racist fanatics to whom the souls of black folk meant nothing."

We have to continue to pay tribute to the significant role that Steve Biko played in our struggle for freedom by ensuring that all our people gain access to basic services that are essential for them to live a decent life. This includes continued efforts to improve access to quality health care, education, safe water and food security.

We acknowledge particularly Steve Biko's role in encouraging our communities to actively participate in matters that have an impact on their lives. In addition to enrolling at medical school at the University of Natal, I am told that he established community health groups, healthcare committees and home gardening projects.

In conclusion, Programme Director, allow me to congratulate all the award recipients on their selfless effort in ensuring that our people receive the best of care in line with our vision of a better life for all. As the medical profession honours you today, we are all in a way, honouring ourselves as nation, for the countless efforts that we individually and collectively are making in order to secure the good future, health and welfare of our people.

I, personally, would like to thank each and every one of you for the wonderful work that you do for our people. The Department of Health, Government and the people of South Africa appreciate your efforts. We are proud of you!

I wish you well as you continue in your excellent work. Enjoy the rest of the evening.

Thank you.

Issued by: Department of Health
14 September 2007