Official Opening of the new Maternity Ward and Store at Catherine Booth hospita on 20/02/2002 by Nelson Mandela

The Official Opening of the new Maternity Ward & Store at Catherine Booth hospital on the 20th February 2002 by Nelson Mandela. Wednesday the 20th of February 2002 saw the opening of a beautiful new Maternity Ward & Store at Catherine Booth Hospital, Amatikulu.
Project History Catherine Booth Hospital is a former Salvation Army Mission serving approximately 200 000 people. In February 1999 former President NR Mandela, accompanied by Mr NF Oppenheimer, visited the hospital. Prior to this visit Mr Mandela had also met with Mr HF Oppenheimer regarding the Hospital and its needs. Mr Mandela’s special interest in Catherine Booth came after the Deputy President, Mr Jacob Zuma’s brother was admitted to the hospital. Mr Zuma visited his brother and was concerned by the conditions he witnessed. An alert staff nurse, Gladys Ngema, seized the opportunity and suggested to Mr Zuma that he should make a plea to Mr Mandela to explain the plight of the hospital and use his considerable influence to leverage support on the hospitals behalf. The project at Catherine Booth Hospital is an important example of how the private and public sector can work together to improve health services for the community. The Department of Health is grateful for the partnership that has made it possible to build a new maternity unit and bulk stores at Catherine Booth Hospital.
PROJECT DETAILS Funding amounting toR2.25 million was secured from the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund and the De Beers Fund for this project. Local labour was used in the construction wherever possible in accordance with Provincial policy. The six month construction period commenced during March 2001 and was completed during September 2001. Equipment for the new facilities was purchased by the Department of Health at a cost of some R750 000.00.