The South African Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Judith Tshabalala, donated a portrait of the late former president Nelson Mandela to the Ersta Sjukhus Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, during a recent visit.
PASSIONATE journeys of memory of the late Nelson Mandela were shared at the Ersta Sjukhus Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, as the South African Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Judith Tshabalala, donated a portrait of the late ex-president during a recent visit.
Ersta Sjukhus Hospital is where the late ANC presidents Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela and Oliver Reginald Tambo received medical treatment after Tambo suffered a stroke.
Tshabalala was accompanied by the South African ambassador to Sweden, Bridget Mabandla, who also donated a portrait to a friend of Mandela.
Inaugurated in 1907, Ersta Sjukhus Hospital is located in South Ireland in Stockholm and was donated by the Bishops.
It was decided 10 years ago that the hospital should increase its capacity of patients, which resulted in a plan for another hospital right next door.
The newly built hospital, where the South African delegation was hosted, only opened its doors to new patients a week before the visit.
The managing director of the hospital, Sara Lindholm Larson, said the construction of the new building was motivated by the intention to give it a more homely and dignified feel.
She said everyone is made to feel humanity and respect upon arrival.
When entering the hospital, one is met by the presence of a 15-metre-high colourful stone art, which reflects the sunlight from outside.
On the 8th floor stands a sculpture of the late Tambo, which had been donated to his then selfless doctor, Dr Beth von Screeb, after he was treated by her back in 1989.
She also treated Nelson Mandela at a later stage.
She said Tambo gave her the sculpture upon his discharge when he was about to fly back to England, then to South Africa.
Von Screeb donated the sculpture to the hospital when she was appointed as chief doctor.
She expressed that the decision was in order for Tambo to be remembered for the role he played in the world.
Next to the portrait hangs a framed picture of when Nelson Mandela and Tambo met for the first time at her clinic, with the history on it.
”I wanted him to be remembered for what he did for the ANC and what the ANC did for South Africa, and what his friend Nelson Mandela did for the world,“ said Von Screeb.
“The picture also has emotion attached as it always takes me back to the day when we were expecting Mandela to come and visit Tambo.
“I remember how I was monitoring Tambo closely because there was a lot of anxiety surrounding the clinic, with everyone whispering ‘he’s coming . . . he’s coming’.
“I had to keep a close eye on Tambo, out of concern that he would suffer another stroke due to anxiety or the excitement on the day.”
Tshabalala was taken by the history and looked at the picture with admiration.
She expressed with emotion how the picture of the two leaders displayed true friendship.
“We really appreciate what this hospital has done for us, and for me it’s quite auspicious and I appreciate this hospital,” she said.
Tshabalala handed over Nelson Mandela’s portrait to hospital management, Lindholm Larson and Martin Tagner.
Some of the friends of the ANC, Magnus Walan and Ola Strom, shared their memorable moments of being in the presence of and working with the Struggle heroes.
Walan said that he was an underground ANC activist at a young age when it was established in Stockholm in the 1970s.
He said he had close encounters with both leaders when they visited Sweden as he helped at the local ANC office.
“I was quite amazed that the ANC, and a person like Oliver Tambo, took so much time to build relations with ordinary people like me.
“In late January 1990 I was asked as usual to assist the office with a delegation towards the release of Nelson Mandela.
“I was driving the delegation, and I ended up in a room where the members of the executive had a meeting to discuss Tambo’s speech towards the release of Mandela.
“We were sitting in a small house in Stockholm and the door was closed. That is when I realised that I am actually part of an NEC meeting. I don’t know how, except that they knew me,” he laughed.
“It was really historical to be part of that meeting because a few days later Nelson Mandela was released.
“I was watching television, and he was talking at the Grand Parade in Cape Town.
“That’s when I recognised what he was saying. These were Tambo’s words when we were sitting in the cottage.
“I was happy to meet Mandela when he came here,” said Walan.
Mabandla also donated a portrait to Ulla Strὃm, who was overcome by emotion.
She said Strὃm, who is currently being treated in the palliative section of the hospital, was the one who requested a picture of Mandela to be presented to the hospital.
Strὃm also shared her memory when she met Madiba for the first time during his visit to Tambo.
She said she was a protocol officer on the day, and they had their hands full with everyone wanting to get a glimpse of Mandela.
“We saw a convoy of blue light cars entering the parking lot. He got out of one of the cars to an excited crowd.
“As soon as he stepped out of the car he lifted his hand to demonstrate that he is still,” said Strὃm.
Tshabalala said she was honoured to have accepted the invitation that was triggered by Mabandla and to celebrate the friendship between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Sweden.
She pointed out how it serves as a testament to the unity and solidarity that bind the two countries, even during challenging times.
“Today, as we stand at the crossroads of past achievements and prospects, I want to extend the heartfelt appreciation of the South African government and its people to the Ersta Hospital. The sanctuary that this institution provided to two of our great leaders, presidents Mandela and Tambo, is an everlasting symbol of the compassionate ties that link us with the Kingdom of Sweden.
“Tambo’s health issues during this period were of significant concern to the ANC and those who supported the anti-apartheid movement, as this was during the time that the ANC and the National Party government were in consultations and talks about the unbanning of the ANC, PAC, SACP and the release of political prisoners.
“His leadership and contributions to the struggle for freedom in South Africa were highly regarded, and his health garnered attention both within the country and internationally.
“uTata Nelson Mandela saw himself and OR as one, and he once remarked that his thoughts and thinking were not different from his,” she said.
She further highlighted that both Tambo and Mandela were passionate about health and education.
“Tambo once said that a nation that does not care for its young people does not deserve its future. He was a teacher and mathematician by profession. He ensured that many of the young people who had left South Africa after the June 16, 1976 student uprising received education while in exile, and as the commander of uMkhonto we Sizwe, he instructed many to study before taking up arms.
“As a result, he solicited funding and support from many countries in Europe, including Sweden.”
She added by saying that Mandela would undoubtedly have cherished the fact that his portrait graces the halls of this esteemed hospital.
“I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to ambassador Ulla Strὃm, who has been spoken of so fondly by ambassador Mabandla.
“Her unwavering dedication and consummate diplomatic skills have left an indelible mark on the relationship between South Africa and Sweden.
”Her role as the protocol officer during former president Mandela’s first visit to Sweden after his release from prison exemplifies the warmth and hospitality that our nations share.
“I would like to wish good health and pleasant days to Miss Strὃm, and my heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated and compassionate work carried out by the workers in the palliative care section.
“Your unwavering commitment to ensuring their comfort, dignity, and well-being during such challenging times is truly commendable.
“Your efforts shine as a beacon of light in the lives of those under your care, offering not only medical support but also a profound sense of empathy and understanding. Your contributions embody the essence of humanity’s finest qualities, and your tireless commitment to providing solace and support to patients and their families is deeply inspiring.
“Your work in the palliative care section is a testament to the power of compassion and the meaningful impact it has on the lives you touch. Thank you for all that you do, and may your dedication continue to bring comfort and warmth to those in need.
“Let us extend our sincerest appreciation to all our friends gathered here today. It is your commitment to fostering understanding, co-operation and goodwill that has allowed our friendship to thrive and flourish.
“As we continue our journey together, may we be inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, a legacy that embodies the principles of unity, reconciliation and the unyielding pursuit of justice.”
