Masuku encourages men to live up to quality health
Friday, 05 July 2013
MEC for Finance, Madala Masuku called on men to emulate the spirited determination and commitment of the former President Nelson Mandela in promoting quality health care for all.
MEC Masuku was addressing three days Provincial Men Summit held in Sabie, Mpumalanga. The summit ended on Thursday, 04 July 2013.
The summit took place during the time when the Provincial Departments are actively participating in various campaigns around Mandela Month.
The summit discussed various matters relating to the role of men in the fight against health challenges in the society.
MEC Masuku urged the delegates at the summit to fight health challenges same way as the great statesman did when given the opportunity to lead.
“Tata Nelson Mandela dealt with all these issues with great vigour and commitment. We are all praying for his recovery. Let’s all join hands in the fight against all diseases, including HIV and AIDS”, said MEC Masuku.
He lauded the group for organising the summit for men to discuss how they can contribute in addressing gender-based challenges which affects the implementation of health improvement initiatives.
“We are grateful that there are organisations such as the South African Men’s Action Group which recognise the collective responsibility of supporting the implementation of government programmes to address gender related health issues, ” said MEC Masuku.
He said the government’s policies have been aligned to respond to challenges that were brought by patriarchal social order and negative power relations that affected the family life for many ages.
Masuku also said the 2013 Provincial Budget illustrates how important is the education and health priorities to this government.
“The budget confirms the centrality of the education and health of our people in at the top of our priority list, with a combined allocation of R22.9 billion or 68.28% of the total budget of nearly R33.7 billion for the current financial year, said MEC Masuku.
The Department of Health has been allocated 24.02% of R8.084 billion of the total provincial budget for the 2013/14 financial year. This represents 8% increase on year of year allocation to the department compared to the last financial year (2012/13).
“We believe that the budget for the Department of Health will have effect on other spending priorities for the current year,” Masuku said.”
For more information, contact:
Letshela Jonas on 013 766 4243 / 079 500 0154
Issued by Communications, Department of Finance, Mpumalanga Provincial Government