Follow Mandela’s footsteps
THE centenary of president Nelson Mandela’s birth should inspire CMSA and our stakeholders to intensify our relationship of mutual co-operation, support and assistance in respect of setting and promoting high standards of training, education, assessment, professional practice and continuing professional development.
I urge our registrars and CMSA to take up the call that president Nelson Mandela made, when he said: “The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.”
Therefore, say to ourselves, it is our responsibility to discuss challenges and solutions for better health and healthcare systems through education, training and research.
In paying tribute to extraordinary achievements of an icon, Father of the Nation, we recall the occasion, 23 years ago in 1995, when the CMSA had the privilege of admitting Nelson Mandela as an Honorary Fellow of the CMSA.
To be nominated for this prestigious award was in recognition of the highest order of individuals in their fields of endeavour in South Africa and globally.
In his acceptance speech in Johannesburg on October 17, 1995, president Mandela said: “The eminent standing of The College of Medicine and the capacity of the medical profession to do good, makes a Fellowship of The College a high honour indeed. As a lay person in the field of health, I am only too aware that by this award you are honouring the aspirations of the nation we are all building together.
“Inscribed in the credo of the college is a commitment to equitable access to education, health and other social services. Entrenched there, too, is a commitment to serve all the people of South Africa.”
Professor Solomon Benatar, vice-president of the CMSA at the time said: “Nelson Mandela is an outstanding example of the impact that one person can have, not only on a nation but on the world of nations. He also represents the many others whose dedicated efforts have been thwarted.
“His life’s struggles, which I shall not attempt to recount, reminds us of the power of ideas and ideals, of the value of a committed integrity towards these, and of the inspirational force of courage and dignity in extreme adversity over many decades.”
President Mandela was also nominated for a Golden Jubilee Recognition award in November 2005, in recognition of his humane and inspirational work in HIV/Aids, and improving the welfare of children in South Africa and abroad through the Nelson Mandela Foundation.