The Week Ahead
“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Mahatma Gandhi
22 January 2018
Former Gauteng MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu began her long awaited testimony at the Life Esidimeni arbitration hearings chaired by retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke. The hearing was adjourned with the Judge asking Ms Mahlangu why she had resigned her position as MEC for Health. It will resume on Wednesday 24 January.
24 January 2018
Mpumalanga Field Researcher Sifiso Nkala will attend a community dialogue in Kwaggafontein at KwaNdebele. The dialogue, organised by the Treatment Action Campaign, aims to strengthen health systems in the area which has poor infrastructure and poor access to health services.
Communication officer, Zukiswa Pikoli will attend a workshop co-hosted by the Swedish Embassy and Anti-Racism Network of South Africa (ARNSA) with H&M to address issues of racism. The workshop will take place at the Swedish Embassy.
25 January 2018
Advocacy Officer, Vuyokazi Gonyela travels to the Eastern Cape to attend a week long meeting of the Tekano Fellowship which she was awarded in 2017. The fellowship brings together health practitioners across the spectrum to provide them with leadership and development training in order to equip them with the skills to make an impact in their areas of work and in their communities.
26 January 2018
Executive Director Mark Heywood will participate in a panel discussion on Interpreting the Right to Freedom of Conscience and Conscientious Objection in the Provision of Termination of Pregnancy Services in South Africa. The panel discussion will focus on the concept of reproductive justice. It will look at the stigma and discrimination that aid the misuse of the Right to Freedom of Conscience and impinge on a woman’s right to access quality sexual and reproductive health services.
Sifiso Nkala will attend a meeting in Piet Retief in his capacity as the secretary of the provincial AIDS council. The intention of the meeting is address poor attitude from some civil servants and outdated infrastructure of health facilities resulting in lack of access to services for healthcare users.
On this day, 23 January 2018, South Africa lost one of its favourite sons. Legendary jazz musician and human rights activist Hugh Masekela died following a protracted battle with prostate cancer. Bra Hugh was an inspiration to both young and old not only through his music but through HIS support of young African talent. In his own words: “I’ve got to where I am in life not because of something I brought to the world but through something I found – the wealth of African culture.” Robala ka kgotso Bra Hugh.
And finally, Mark shares his musings in his latest article in the Daily Maverick titled Dare we disturb the Universe? First thoughts for 2018
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