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26 Apr 2012

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will on Saturday, 28 April 2012 participate in a gruelling 240 km Aspen Trans Karoo mountain bike challenge as part of an ambitious project to raise funds for under-privileged children who do not have access to quality healthcare services in the country. The initiative was started in honour of the late son of First Rand CEO Mr Sizwe Nxasana whose son, Sizwe Nxasana Jnr passed away at the age of 20 years in February this year following ill-health. 

Expressing his enthusiasm ahead of the race, Motsoaledi expressed the urgent need for public-private partnerships in addressing the shortage of paediatric challenges facing South Africa. "The challenges confronting us are huge and government alone cannot adequately address them. We are glad that Aspen Pharmacare have identified this gap and are sharing our vision of ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic status have access to quality paediatric care in our country", said the health Minister. "Every effort must be made to ensure that future generations are provided with healthcare facilities that meet their needs - irrespective of their economic or social background. The Trust will demonstrate the support of local and international businesses alike towards caring for children who have previously not had access to specialist medical services. It is hoped that this is the start of a closer cooperation between the public and private sectors in providing improved healthcare for all", concluded Motsoaledi.

The race will be led by Aspen CEO Stephen Saad who equally expressed the need for private-public partnerships in ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Africans.

"Through this initiative (establishment of The Trust), we hope to raise awareness and establish a paediatric trust - The Sifiso Nxasana Paediatric Trust for the Children of Africa that will assist in providing care for the underpriviledged children", said Saad.

The mountain bike challenge on Saturday at Ezelfontein Farm, Ceres will be attended by Sizwe Nxasana Snr, and senior executives of the Northern Cape Tourism Authority including the Chairperson of the Agency Mr Karel Phantela and its CEO Ms Sharon Lewis.

Members of the media are invited to the event scheduled to take place as follows:

Date: 28 April 2012
Time: 06H30
Venue: Ezelfontein Farm, Ceres (This is where the gruelling 240km race will commence at this point).  

For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Cell: 079 517 3333

Issued by: Department of Health
26 Apr 2012

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