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His Majesty the King, Hlangalomhlabathi,
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province,
The Minister of Home Affairs, uMntwana wakwaPhindangene,
The National Minister of Health,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,
The Provincial Minister of Health,
Dr Albertina Luthuli,
Esteemed guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am truly honoured to have this opportunity of joining you in this very important and august occasion, which marks the official opening of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.

We are indeed extremely proud to be opening one of the most technologically sophisticated medical facilities in the world, in our country.

We are gathered here from all corners of the country because we are aware of the importance of this institution to our health care system, and indeed our social development goals as a country.

This paperless hospital will not only save government millions of rands, but will make a huge difference in the provision of health care in this province.

Academic hospitals form a critical pillar of the health system, and should not simply be regarded as the elite pinnacle of health care. Their training and support function is vital to the effective function of primary and secondary care.

Distinguished guests, I would like to really commend the provincial Department of Health for naming this hospital after Inkosi Luthuli, one of the most outstanding leaders ever produced by this country, a profound thinker, a bold and courageous fighter for the downtrodden, and a statesman.

Inkosi Luthuli was uncompromising in his stance against racism, tribalism and all forms of racial and sectional exclusiveness. He believed in and fought for full political, economic and social opportunities for the oppressed people of South Africa regardless of colour or creed.

A staunch anti-imperialist and anti-colonialist, he was respected and admired by democrats and anti-apartheid formations throughout the world. Inkosi Luthuli genuinely and sincerely believed in the well-being, happiness and dignity of all human beings. Because of his convictions, he sacrificed all prospects of personal gain and comfort and dedicated his life to the cause and service of his fellowmen and women. It is not surprising that he brought honour and glory to this country by obtaining the Nobel Peace Prize. Now that his vision of a non-racial democratic South Africa has become a reality, he would have indeed expected all of us to work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of all. That includes the transformation and provision of better health care facilities for all South Africans. The naming of this hospital after Inkosi Luthuli therefore puts a heavy responsibility on all of us to make the institution a success story in our country and indeed the whole continent.

Ladies and gentlemen, the hospital also has historical significance given where it is located, in Cato Manor, eMkhumbane, where thousands of people were victims of ruthless forced removals by the apartheid regime. It symbolises the rebirth of our country and the commitment to building a better future, free from the oppression of the past.

While we celebrate the establishment of this hospital we are well aware that our health care facilities are under increasing pressure as a result of HIV/AIDS. We are aware of the pain and suffering that this disease is inflicting throughout the country, particularly in this province.

However, I must emphasise that as we face the epidemic, we should not lose hope. There is evidence that, even in countries experiencing a generalised HIV epidemic, the infection rate can be dramatically reduced as people's behaviour can change. We need to strengthen the Partnership Against AIDS, and work together to ensure the effectiveness of the country's response to the epidemic.

This Partnership has brought together all sectors within the South African National AIDS Council, such as men, women, people with disabilities, entertainment and sport sectors, business, labour, traditional leaders and traditional healers as well as various other formations. All are working patriotically to reduce, manage and eventually eradicate the spread of the disease.

As we approach World AIDS Day, on the 1st of December, we urge all South Africans to contribute to the campaign of caring and fighting the stigma of HIV/AIDS.

This year's World AIDS Day theme, "Caring Enough to Help", reminds all of us of our responsibility. This is more so because there is no longer a distinction between those living with HIV/AIDS and those who are not. We are all living with the disease and are affected by it in many ways. We will be calling upon all South Africans to join the campaign to fight the stigmatisation of all who are infected. The eradication of the stigma around the disease will assist in encouraging people to disclose their status. It will also boost the prevention campaign and make it easier for the infected to seek treatment.

Distinguished guests, once again, let me reiterate how proud and excited we are as government, to have reached this point, of opening this facility. Government's drive to bring about a better life for all can only be enhanced by the kinds of public-private partnerships, like the one which saw the successful completion of this modern and state of the art hospital. As we celebrate the opening of this national pride, let us all pledge to ensure that it continues to become a facility we can be proud of in many years to come.

I am sure I speak for everyone here when I congratulate all who contributed to making this dream come true.

Let us all, throughout South Africa, celebrate this achievement, which adds another feather in the cap of our country.

I thank you!

Issued by The Presidency

22 November 2002