Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang speaks in Bophelong to mark World Health Day

Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang visits Sedibeng to mark World Health Day

[07.04.2008] The Sedibeng region was recently honoured to host Minister of Health Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang at the Bophelong Stadium on 7 April 2008 to mark World Health Day.

The Executive Mayor, Cllr Mlungisi Hlongwane, the Programme Director for the event, Cllr Maipato Tsokolibane, members of the Mayoral Committee, Rev. M. Phadi; the Executive Mayor of the Emfuleni Local Municipality, Cllr Dikeledi Tsotetsi, the Head of the Gauteng Health Department, Mrs. Sybil Ngcobo, Dr. Stella Anyangwe, representative of the World Health Organization; Ms. Kelebogile Moroka, Acting Chief Director of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism; Representatives of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry were also present at this momentous occasion.

Minister of Health, Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Executive Mayor, Cllr Mlungisi Hlongwane, at Bophelong to mark World Health Day

In his welcoming address, Executive Mayor Mlungisi Hlongwane said, “The support for the celebration of World Health Day was a decision taken by the World Health Organization, and is also an indication of commitment to join hands with all other stakeholders in our struggle for healthcare for all”. 

The theme outlined was “Protecting Health From Climate Change”, and Executive Mayor Mlungisi Hlongwane further said it is yet another building block in the programmes aimed at solving the problems regarding emission of pollutants in the air by industries, energy, threats to our water and plants.”

He said the Sedibeng District Municipality and its Local Municipalities of Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal, were proud to announce that they have already started plans and projects that will pay attention to the problems in the long term.

He outlined the development of three spaces in Sharpeville, namely:

1. A Heritage Precinct in the vicinity of the Sharpeville Monument;
2. A Sports and Recreation precinct around the George Thabe stadium;
3. Development of recreation and leisure space along the shores of the Kwa-Dlomo dam, and development of waterfront related projects along the banks of the Vaal River, which includes:
4. Upgrading Dickenson Park;
5. Development of a Business Park north of Dickenson Park;
6. Development of an iconic tourism hub north of the R59 bridge;
7. Development of a boardwalk on both sides of the river between the Riviera Hotel and the R59 bridge; And Executive Mayor Mlungisi Hlongwane says some of the plans will be realized before 2010, but that most would unfold beyond 2010.


Minister of Health, Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, greeting the community of Bophelong

Minister Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang spoke about the problem of climate change caused by people and industries and the importance of growing the economy to better change the challenges faced in South Africa. She emphasized that municipalities must assist in ensuring better living conditions for residents and in areas near rivers to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.
Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang visited the Phelindaba Clinic in Sharpeville earlier in the day and said she was happy to see nurses committed and working with passion.