KNOWLEDGE IS THE FOUNDATION OF A PROSPEROUS NATION

Book Club thrilling world of reading

“A nation that reads is a nation that grows”, said Tony Simanga (50) a founder of Book club in Mamelodi Township near Tshwane. An avid reader with a burning desire to take readership back to the people of Mams.

His utterance was fuelled by his discovery in the importance and thrilling world of reading. Having identified a need for reading among youth aimed at keeping them away from vulnerable temptation of drug abuse and crime. He did not give up!

Simanga says reading brings knowledge that will make people take informed decisions. To encourage readership and create a platform that expose residents to various type of reading material Simanga challenge Mamelodi Intellectual academics to come together and make his initiative a success.

“The book club will lay foundation upon which society can best function and position its system for achieving great things on the social and economic front”,

“My challenges are set by lack of funds and resources while there are part of the Mamelodi community that does not have access to the internet and e – mails, Simanga explained.

“Reading is more enjoyable and increase level of understanding and reasoning when one reads about things they have seen, but it can be a lonely skill”, said Simanga.

“However, most distance learning students have no prescribed text books. I hope book club will make it easy for the needy to access study material and expand their horizon”,

A self employed married father of four children born and raised from a not well to do family started making collection of books some years ago. He bought most books with money generated from his informal trading business and his acquaintance in United Kingdom send him 8 books bi-monthly.

Book club members choose and exchange their books and meet once a week to review books they read and brainstorm ideas during weekly discussions. They are exposed to various reading material that was uneasily obtainable in the past.

His parents were not educated but Simanga matriculated in 2001 and graduated with University of South Africa (UNISA) in Adult Basic Education Training in 2003 followed by a diploma in literacy teaching course a year later.

He urge good Samaritans to help unearth hidden talent and give a nobble gesture to his book club for the best interest of Mams residents. He may be contacted on 073 927 3490 or visit his book club at Mamelodi West Section K (C1) House no. 3224.

By Thomo waga Nkgadima

 

Tribute to Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang

The late Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang

The true greatness of a person is measured by the impact that person has on the lives of others. This statement rings true for the Minister of Health Dr Mantombazana Edmie Tshabalala-Msimang who has touched the lives of many in different ways.

In a country marked by a high burden of diseases, inequality and abject poverty, to succeed in improving access to quality health care requires nothing less than absolute devotion and loyalty to serve one’s country. Such is the profound devotion that the Minister of Health has shown.

Born in Emfume south coast of Durban on the 9th of October 1940, the young Manto completed her high school education at Inanda Seminary School in 1959.

In 1962, shortly after the African National Congress was banned, a young and eager Manto after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Fort Hare was ordered with a group of 27 other spirited students to go into exile by the ANC leadership. She was in exile for 28 years. These students including Thabo Mbeki who fled the country under the guise of being members of a football team – had been identified as future leaders of South Africa who would one day return triumphantly to the country of their birth. They were arrested several times and thrown in jail before being flown into Tanganyika (now Tanzania), where the young Manto spent most of her years in exile.

Prior to her departure, her mother had implored her: “to do something for me if I should never see you again – become a medical doctor”, the promise Dr Tshabalala-Msimang fulfilled under difficult conditions. She completed her medical studies, hopeful that one day she would return to her country. She graduated from the First Leningrad Medical Institute in the then U.S.S.R.

She spent time practicing medicine in various African countries – an experience that put her in touch with the real victims of poverty. This experience spurred her to further her education by gaining, amongst other qualifications, a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Antwerpen in Belgium.

She was also a Registrar in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Section of the Muhimbili Hospital in Dar-Es-Salaam. Tanzania and as Medical Superintendent of the Lobatse Hospital in Botswana. She speaks Russian and Swahili.

She is one of the founder members of the ANC Health Department, which was established in 1977 and convened the First International Conference on Health and Apartheid – under the auspices of the World Health Organisation in 1980.

She has been blessed with a stable and supportive family life – married to Mr Mendi Msimang, former ANC Treasurer-General and former South African High Commissioner in London, and two daughters – Zuki and Pulane – and four grandchildren.

On her return to South Africa in 1990, the Minister contributed towards the National Progressive Primary Health Care Network by assisting in developing policies on health and also serving on various committees promoting health and gender issues.

Becoming a Member of Parliament following the historic elections of 1994, she chaired the Portfolio Committee on Health in the National Assembly. Her appointment as Deputy Minister of Justice followed in 1996. This is where she made her mark during her many fights for the rights of women and children in the criminal justice system.