Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Anniversary Reception

Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, located across the street from the Johannesburg Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invited representatives of the Church to attend a program celebrating the one-year anniversary of the hospital receiving it’s first patient.

Radio and TV personality, Anele Mdoda, emceed the anniversary reception held at the hospital. “This hospital upholds the vision that u Tata Nelson Mandela had that every child, regardless of what creed, color or class they may fall into, if there is a serious health problem, this is the place that they can go to,” said Mdoda in her opening remarks. Patients with serious medical problems are referred to the hospital from other medical facilities and from medical professionals. With over 200 beds, the hospital is a living monument to Nelson Mandela’s commitment to improve the lives of vulnerable children.

Nelson Mandela Trust CEO, Sibongile Mkhabela, addressed the attendees saying, “We want to be known as the generation that dared to dream and made dreams a reality.” She said the hospital reflected the nation’s beliefs and so it was the nation’s chance to make sure that the Constitution is experienced by the children. She also said, “The Bill of Rights is not only a bill of rights provided you have money; every child has the right to health.”

Hospital CEO, Dr. Mandisa Maholwana, said that skills development and training of specialized nurses and doctors would continue as a priority. She recognized the National Skills Fund for helping fund the training and thanked other donors who helped make training possible. She encouraged continued donations to help fund the program into the future.

Deputy Minister of Health, Jo Phaahla, referred to the government’s continuing support of the Hospital and mentioned the significance of the hospital to countries other than South Africa with patients coming from as far away as countries in the SADC region.

Shirley Mabusela, hospital trustee, concluded the program saying, “We value partnerships for we are not an island; we are thankful to all our donors who enable us to have brand-new specialized equipment and maintain it. When one has faith and hope, great things will happen.”

The program also included delightful choral music from an a cappella chorus and instrumental music from a duo of two young musicians. Church representatives were grateful for the opportunity of attending the event and expressed gratitude for the good the hospital has done and expressed optimism about the good the hospital will do in the future.