Shuttleworth making SA proud

ONCE castigated by a national newspaper for being overly self-indulgent, 28-year-old South African computer entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth who tomorrow blasts into space with a Russian team, has grabbed the imagination of the country as millions hold their breath for the success of his heart-stopping adventure.

Shuttleworth, who is paying the Russians 20 million dollars to become the world’s second space tourist, will be living the fantasy of red-blooded space-age males throughout the world and is set to become a member of the world’s most exclusive club.

Deputy President Jacob Zuma last week expressed the sentiments of all when he wished Shuttleworth a good trip. “You are a very brave and gifted person who has made the whole of South Africa proud,” Zuma wrote in an open letter to Shuttleworth.

Indeed this mission has the rare potential of unifying the country for the eight-day duration of the expedition.

Port Elizabeth has special links with the space flight, as Shuttleworth will conduct scientific experiments for UPE and UCT to help combat Aids and other diseases. In particular Shuttleworth plans to do research on HIV proteins. With both institutions he will work closely with PE people. And raising Aids awareness is a high priority.

Only the meanest of spirits could fail to see the benefits of what Shuttleworth is about to do, or fail to share in his excitement.

The fact that he has spent a vast sum to realise his dream is his own business. Through his computer skills he has brought credit to the country and great personal wealth. He has earned this rare opportunity and we join in wishing him well as he reaches for the stars.

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Patients’ health being jeopardised

OVERWORKED nurses and doctors at our underfunded hospitals are run off their feet providing medical care for their patients, without having the added burden of trying to find enough for their charges to eat. This is what has happened at metro hospitals this week as food supplies have run out and concerned medical staff have had to forage for meals for patients.

Funds have not yet been forthcoming from Bisho since the beginning of the financial year on April 1, and after more than a fortnight the hospitals’ supplies of food and other consumables like cleaning materials had run out.

Kind-hearted nurses at the Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital paid for mealiemeal out of their own pockets so that there was at least something for patients to eat. But porridge is not enough to strengthen those seriously ill or recuperating from operations, and needing a balanced diet to aid recovery.

Similar shortages are being experienced at other metro hospitals which are also waiting for funds.

This is not the first time this disgraceful situation has occurred in Eastern Cape hospitals and we hope that it will not occur again next year at this time.

Patients’ health has been unnecessarily jeopardised.

By three weeks into the financial year the funds should have been dispersed. The provincial government should make a special effort to ensure that the cash is paid out.