2009-05-22: Heart to heart foundantion donates 100,000 euros (R1,3 million)
The Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Clr Amos Masondo joined the Herz-fur-Hurz (Heart to Heart) Foundation when they donated about 100,000 Euros (R1,3 million) to the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa (WSPCCA). This money will be used to carry out life saving heart surgical procedures on 11 underprivileged children.
“On behalf of the Johannesburg Council and its citizens, l would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Herz-fur-Hurz (Heart to Heart) Foundation for this gesture”, said Masondo.
Masondo said that it is befitting that the Centre which is meant to carry out corrective surgical procedures on babies and children and give hope to many affected families is named after Walter Sisulu.
“Tata Sisulu was a founder of the ANC Youth League, part of a collective and architecture/writer of the Freedom Charter, a treason trialist, a political prisoner on Robben Island, served on the National Executive Committee of the ANC and played a leading role in the country’s democratic transition. Although he has since passed on, he remains one of the most prominent leaders of the ANC”, he said.
The Paediatric Cardiac Centre has three priorities of the Unit.
To arrange and perform life saving heart operations for babies and children whose families cannot afford the vital surgery, or whose medical cover is insufficient.
To train doctors and nurses on the continent, empowering them and broadening their service to communities across Africa.
To actively get involved in research (as congenital cardiac surgery on the continent does not exist except in Egypt).
“We in the City of Johannesburg are confident that this 16 bed dedicated paediatric cardiac intensive care unit which was established in 2003 with highly qualified and experienced cardiac team that carries out corrective surgical procedures on babies and children will assist us in carrying out some of our priorities on health.
I have no doubt that this Centre will grow to become one of the most important research institution of its kind in the country and continent, Mayor Masondo said”.
This gift from the Heart to Heart Foundation will assist these eleven (11) children to realise their goals. These children have been given hope for future and a chance to grow up into productive adults in society. With heart surgeries, these children will now be able to participate in activities, which other children participate in without being limited by their illness.
The Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa can be the small acorn that is planted today with the potential to grow into a massive oak tree dominating its surrounding landscape.
The City of Johannesburg is humbled by this effort.
Mayor Masondo congratulated the Sisulu family, the Lejeune family, surgeons and other medical personnel and practitioners at the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa for this initiative. As well as Netcare for all their support - their discounts and donations in kind.
