Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has called on the business community to support the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital project.
The idea behind establishing the hospital is born out of former President Nelson Mandela’s love for children, and providing a place of healing for them when they need medical care.
“Madiba loves children and wants the best for them. He wants us to ensure that they have a better future. He expressed eloquently his wish for a special hospital to cater for the needs of children, hence the plans to establish the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in his honour.
“The Department of Health, civil society and the academic sector are working together to make this project succeed. The hospital will be one of the most inspiring legacies of this remarkable statesman and leader of our people, and we humbly invite all sectors to actively support this project. We also urge the public at large to rally behind this project so that it can come to fruition," said Zuma.
Apart from treating children, the hospital will also train young professionals who will not only serve South Africa, but the entire Southern African Development Community region.
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital honours Mandela’s life-long commitment to children. In his words, this hospital will be a “credible demonstration of the commitment of African leaders to place the rights of children at the forefront”.
The Presidency on Tuesday said Mandela remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital in Pretoria, and continued to show improvement.
The former President has been in hospital since June 8.
Zuma has urged the public to continue praying for Madiba and has thanked those who partake in community work to take forward the good work of Madiba. – SAnews.gov.za
