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Partner: Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille yesterday held the first twins, Abenathi and Asive, born in Khayelitsha District Hospital, while their mother Ncumisa Futshane looks on. PHOTOS: UNATHI OBOSE

WORKING TOGETHER: Motsoaledi and Zille open the hospital

Motsoaledi was speaking in Khayelitsha yesterday where Zille officially opened the state of the art Khayelitsha District Hospital.

Motsoaledi said he has joined forces with Zille in the fight against alcohol abuse in the Western Cape because of substance abuse.

Referring to Zille, he said: "I am supporting you 100% in your efforts to combat alcoholism in the Western Cape".

The pledge by the Minister comes against mooted plans by government to ban alcohol advertising. Motoaledi has said the ban would rein in violence fuelled by excessive drinking.

Zille has also come out against alcohol abuse and is on track in trying to amend the liquor act. The amendments would include banning liquor trading business in residential areas and near schools and also regulating trading hours for taverners.

"It was also disturbing to see shebeens and taverns were full of young people, including those underage."

Zille called for the formation of partnerships between government and the private sector "with an aim of building more facilities in the province".

Zille, who spoke isiXhosa and English, said if people worked together they could develop facilities like the Khayelitsha District Hospital.

She said violence was the contributory factor in injuries and the death of people in many communities.

Also in attendance was 29-year-old Ncumisa Futshane, who was accompanied by her twin babies Abenathi and Asive, who are the first set of twins to be born at the new facility. They were born on March 6.

The hospital was the scene of protests in January, which saw the burning of tyres and the stoning of two ambulances when locals demanded that all operations be suspended with immediate effect and the process of filling of posts be re-started.

Members of Progress Youth Movement and Mandela Park Backyarders in Khayelitsha protested again yesterday, demanding to be employed at the hospital.

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Sun May 26 09:10:41 SAST 2013 ::

Apr 18, 2012

Sgandy

Beautiful and very harmonious act of uplifting the lives of our people..well done you 2...this will really leave the intolerant 'slithering' and jealous.
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Apr 18, 2012

NDA

You two can be a great couple.
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Apr 18, 2012

candilious

Well done wotkin together its a start
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Apr 18, 2012

RobinH

It's about time "provincial" and "national" work together rather than trying to undermine one another. I was hugely amused when Mrs Zille described the hospital, which has been operational for some time already, as "green". Ja right.

Morning Candi and everyone.
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Apr 18, 2012

Papage

Yes, we all congradulates you two, it shows working together we can as South African. Good luck. Zille dont forget Motswaledi after 2014 elections, you will be a President then, so please remember him.
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Apr 18, 2012

hulas

Mr Motswaledi the only clever choice by Mr zuma aka big max...
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Apr 18, 2012

Sgandy

@hulas well said I think he is one of the few too..
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Apr 18, 2012

tmotaung713

True leadership,i am so inspired.
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Apr 18, 2012

Vhamsanda

I support the collaboration between the ANC and the DA as this is an indication of good governance.
While in the Western Cape, please investigate the sever loss of front teeth among the beautiful girls on the Cape flats.
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Apr 18, 2012

RobinH

Vhamsanda: Watch that now pretty outdated stereotype.
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