World On Press
Tribute to Manto
Thanduxolo Jindela
DR MANTOMBAZANA TSHABALALA-MSIMANG-FORMER MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FORMER MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY was laid to rest today at the service held in THE CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART, PRETORIA, South Africa.
Amongst the mourners were the President of the Republic of South Africa-Jacob Zuma, husband-Comrade Mendi Msimang, the family and relatives, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Ministers, Premiers, Deputy Ministers and MECs, Ministers from within SADC and other foreign dignitaries were present, ANC Officials, Members of the National Executive Committee as well as the Veterans, Women and Youth Leagues, SACP and Cosatu leadership,
Father Phumlani Masuku and Fellow South Africans,
Jacob Zuma during his speech described Manto as a strong veteran who has fought for the struggle in the country. “We have lost a spirited and consummate activist and a pioneer health professional who championed the rights of the poor.” Jacob Zuma. Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang is amongst those self-less South Africans, who have experienced minimal joy in their lives, due to their decision not to surrender until this country and its people were free from racist oppression. Dr Tshabalala-Msimang has always been a part of that tireless pursuit of meaningful change, and the improvement of the quality of life of all, especially the poorest of the poor. From Tanzania to Botswana to South Africa, she used her skills to assist those in distress, those in need of medical care and those in need of emotional support.
In recognition of her work in the continent, she was appointed the African Union Goodwill Ambassador and Champion for Africa’s Movement to improve Maternal Health and promote Child Development in Africa, beyond 2015. She has also served as a Head of Health Training Programme for National Liberation Movements. Organisation of African Unity / United Nations Development Programme at Morogoro in Tanzania (1976 - 1979); Deputy Secretary in charge of human resource development and deployment for the African National Congress (ANC), Department of Health, Tanzania/ Zambia (1979 - 1990); Convenor of the First International Conference on Health and apartheid under the auspices of World Health Organisation (1980). Beyond this demonstrable commitment to the fight against HIV and Aids, she has openly embraced the concept of gender empowerment and lived up to that objective.
She has among others, dedicated her profession to the improvement of the lives of women and girl-children, especially those from the disadvantaged background. This stands out as one of her passions that defined her health ministry. Salute Sis. Manto.
