Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has encouraged nursing professionals to embrace the principles of ubuntu espoused by struggle stalwart Mama Albertina Sisulu when carrying out their duties.
“There is no doubt that MaSisulu infused her life with the beauty of caring of people – a gift that nurtured and guided healing to nourish humanity and to be part of the greater civilization, living together harmoniously,” Mokonyane said.
Delivering the Albertina Sisulu memorial lecture on Friday in eShowe, KwaZulu-Natal, Mokonyane said it is only by embracing the principles espoused by MaSisulu through ubuntu that nurses can help remove the bleak perception that is apparent in the nursing profession.
“MaSisulu extended her caring to her community, cultivating a culture of interpersonal sensitivity in which each individual was valued and respected. Her passion and sense of responsibility for the sacred duty of caring for others was a defining feature of her life,” she said.
In 2018, South Africa is marking two important centenaries. The main centenary is dedicated to Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela, the first President of a democratic South Africa. Had he been alive, he would be 100 years this year. Of equal importance is the centenary of Sisulu, a struggle heroine in her own right.
Mokonyane said Sisulu led a selfless and courageous life during, which she showed an unwavering commitment to the liberation of South Africa for human equality and dignity for all.
The Minister said when Sisulu’s husband Walter Sisulu was imprisoned, she kept the hope of South Africans alive.
“She was part of the team that kindled the fires that swept across the country during a period where little humanity was demonstrated by the apartheid regime and its surrogates.
“She was very instrumental in helping guide the activities the National Education Crisis Committee when the crisis in the education of a black child was deepening,” Mokonyane said.
The Minister described Sisulu as one of the greatest leaders, an anti-apartheid activist and stalwart.
“In the day to day struggle against apartheid, MaSisulu helped to grow a whole new generation of women leaders towards her leadership style that combined activism with ubuntu and compassion.
“Her home was a 'home of refuge', a 'United Nations' of some sort because nothing could sit well with her conscience as long there were homeless children roaming the streets and facing deprivation in her watch,” she said.
Sisulu has been the recipient of multiple international human rights awards, including the honorary citizenship of Reggio Emilia, a town in Italy, in 1986.
“She was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Johannesburg in acknowledgement of her revolutionary role in pre-1994 South Africa. Indeed, she was 'A Woman of fortitude', as she is often referred to as, and it is that determination and steadfastness which earned her the title of 'Mother of the Nation'," Mokonyane said.
Earlier on Friday, the Minister, joined the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Willies Mchunu, and other dignitaries along with women from across KwaZulu-Natal in a march against the scourge of violence against women and children. – SAnews.gov.za
