Picture: Dr Nazira Cassim, Wahida Amod, Jawairiya Aboobaker, Tehmina Latib, Saeeda Haffejee, Rashida Vahed, Aadila Pretorius, Maryam Aboobaker, Dr Mads Gilbert, Ummayah Theba, Zainub Sathaar, Shameema Ismail, Hafsa Carim, Naseema Chicktay, Noorjehaan Goolam Mohamed and Ayisha Osman.
Ncamisile Pamela Ngubane and Unaiza Sathaar seated
Dr. Mads Gilbert, a renowned Norwegian physician, humanitarian, and activist, currently on a tour in South Africa with Salaamedia, supported in Pretoria by Pretoria Muslim Women United and South African Friends of Palestine addressed the community of Laudium last Saturday shining the spotlight on the dire situation faced by doctors and patients in Gaza. According to Dr. Gilbert, over 200 medical personnel have tragically lost their lives in Gaza, and 27 hospitals in the region have been either destroyed or rendered non-functional.
Shockingly, more than 500 patients and wounded individuals remain inside hospitals in Gaza, enduring extreme conditions as the doctors struggle to provide care.
After spending several weeks in Cairo attempting to facilitate aid to his colleagues in Gaza, Dr. Gilbert arrived in South Africa to raise awareness about the devastating impact of Israel's assault on the healthcare system. Despite numerous aid workers and resources stationed in Cairo, there are significant challenges in delivering assistance to Gaza due to the comprehensive lockdown.
In the face of this dire situation, doctors in Gaza refuse to abandon those in need, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to patient care despite overwhelming adversity. Dr. Gilbert emphasizes that he has never witnessed a command center or encountered any high-ranking political leaders from Hamas or Jihad during his 20 years of work at Al-Shifa Hospital, contradicting claims by the Israeli government.
Dr. Gilbert asserts that Israel has been systematically dismantling the Palestinian healthcare system in Gaza and the West Bank over the years, intensifying their assault with the recent attacks on the enclave. By highlighting the plight of Gazans in South Africa, Dr. Gilbert aims to draw attention to the suffering endured by the people and the urgent need for international support.
He stresses that the Israeli army has persistently targeted ambulances, primary healthcare workers, clinics, and hospitals, resulting in grave consequences for the Palestinian population. This has led to the majority of hospitals in Gaza being incapacitated due to the constant assaults, blockade, and lack of essential medical supplies.
In shedding light on these critical issues, Dr. Gilbert seeks to rally support and advocate for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of Gazans and ensure the restoration of their healthcare system.
The Pretoria Muslim Women United extended their sincere gratitude to the community for attending and supporting the event. The event saw a great turnout from various groups, politicians, and community activists, all showing their solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Other speakers at the event were notable figures such as Prof Akhtar, Ward Councillor Naeem Patel, First Secretary of the Embassy of Palestine Bassam Elhusseny, ANC Secretary General Nomvula Makunyane, Former General Manager of the South African friends of Israel(SAFI) Ncamisile Pamela Ngubane and Miss Earth South Africa Catherine Constantinides.
Cllr Naeem Patel, Dr. Mads Gilbert and Nazir Thokan of SA Friends of Palestine
Nicoleen Delawala, Zahraa Patel, ANC Secretary General Nomvula Makunyane, Miss Earth South Africa Catherine Constantinides and ANC Regional Secretary George Majila.
Due to time constraints, the lucky draw at the event could not take place, and the PMWU sincerely apologizes for it. However, they express their deep appreciation to everyone, including individuals, schools, and businesses, who supported their fundraiser for "medical aid for Gaza."
The PMWU is pleased to announce the lucky winners of the prizes. If you have a ticket with the following numbers, you are a winner:
1. 0318
2. 0320
3. 0233
4. 0972
5. 0637
6. 0142
7. 0288
8. 0806
9. 0787
10. 0903
11. 0904
12. 0979
13. 0567
14. 0681
15. 0682
16. 0735
17. 0272
18. 0946
19. 0883
20. 0589
21. 0653
22. 0157
23. 0741
24. 0744
25. 0652
26. 0737
27. 0507
28. 0885
29. 0361
30. 0743
31. 0972
32. 0637
33. 0239
34. 0043
35. 0236
Please write your name on the back of your ticket and send a WhatsApp message with a picture of the front of your ticket to 0721816696. You will receive detailed information on where and how to collect your prize. All prizes must be collected by Monday, 27th November 2023.
The PMWU once again thanks the generous community for their continued support and prays for peace in Palestine.
