The management team of the newly constructed Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital have visited the administrative offices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the medical facility, situated across the street from the Johannesburg South Africa Temple, prepares to begin operating in late June.
The team was led by the Bongi Mkhabela, the chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
She was accompanied by Pinky Mashigo, the fund’s chief of operations, Theresa Marwane, the hospital’s chief financial officer, Pat Van der Merwe, trust manager of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust, and Vuyo Lutseke, the trust’s fundraising and communication’s manager.
“How have you kept such work a secret?” Mkhabela asked in reaction to an outline of the work that the Church shared about its initiatives across the Africa Southeast Area, spanning more than 30 countries. “The centrality of the family in what the Church is doing resonated with me,” she added.
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is situated across the street from the Johannesburg South Africa Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Temple is fully visible from inside the hospital, making it likely that hospital patrons will spend special moments appreciating its beauty and find inspiration from it.
Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, president of the Africa Southeast Area, welcomed the visitors, and expressed confidence that the Church and the hospital will find ways to work together.
“We are anxious to welcome you as our neighbours,” said Elder Hamilton, who has also visited the hospital facility in recent weeks.
The visitors then toured the Church’s various departments, including the family history department, humanitarian services, self-reliance/employment department and the perpetual education department. Elder S. Mark Palmer also welcomed the guests, noting the common interests of the Church and the hospital.
“It’s going to be a relationship that has many layers,” said Mkhabela of the prospect of working together.
The hospital is due to officially begin receiving patients from late June.