Condolence books have been placed at various locations for former colleagues and stakeholders to share their tributes following the passing away of the Minister of Health spokesperson, Joe Maila.
People can share their tributes by signing the condolence books which have been placed at the receptions of the following offices:
- GCIS Tshedimosetso House, Hatfield
- Department of Health, Civitas Building, Pretoria
- Imbizo Centre in Parliament, Cape Town
- Limpopo Premier's office, Polokwane
The GCIS and the Ministry of Health will hold a joint memorial service to honour Maila on Thursday. The memorial service is expected to be attended by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
Stakeholders, colleagues and members of the public can share also their tribute messages and memories on social media using the hashtag #RIPJoe.
Maila, who passed away last Thursday, is survived by his wife and two children. His funeral service will take place on Saturday, 28 October 2017 at Potter’s House Church in Ivy Park in Polokwane at 7am.
Government has expressed its condolences to the family. Communications Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane expressed government’s shock at Maila’s passing.
“Joe practiced his craft with passion and this trait saw him grow from strength to strength as he served across various government departments over the years. In his daily work, he always viewed the media as a partner to address the health challenges we face as a country.
“He contributed to creating an informed citizenry as he communicated government’s health policies and programmes to the public,” said Minister Kubayi-Ngubane.
The Minister said Maila upheld the principles and ethics of the communication profession.
“This is a page out of his life that upcoming communicators should strive to emulate,” said the Minister.
Earlier this week, the family of Maila thanked South Africans for their messages of support. – SAnews.gov.za
