Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital brings hope
Three days before the third commemoration of the death of Nelson Mandela and South Africa was reminded of the spirit of giving.
Former deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke addressed the launch of the Nelson Mandela Children's hospital in Parktown today.
Moseneke appealed to the country's current leaders to follow in Mandela's footsteps and lead by example.
The hospital is the realisation of a 9-year long dream and promise made by Madiba.
The state-of-the-art hospital boasts 200 beds and 10 theaters and can treat up to 2500 patients per month.
The first patients - from across the region - will be admitted in 2017.
Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel believes the health facility will not only bring hope to the poor, but will also be a centre for excellence.
Moseneke thanked donors, young and old, who've made Nelson Mandela's dream possible.
Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi says this hospital is the newest and most advanced on the continent.
Quoting Madiba, Motsoaledi said: "Children are the most important asset to a country."
The hospital will also be a teaching facility training future paediatric specialists.