- The annual Day of Remembrance, hosted by the Children’s Hospital Trust, paid tribute to South African servicemen and WWII veterans who founded the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
- Trevor Manuel, delivering the keynote address, highlighted the hospital’s dual role as a historical symbol and a beacon of hope, urging collective action to enhance children’s healthcare.
- The event celebrated the enduring legacy of these heroes while emphasising the importance of shaping a brighter future for children through collaboration.
The annual Day of Remembrance, hosted by the Children’s Hospital Trust, took place on Thursday 14 November, paying tribute to South African servicemen and World War II veterans whose generosity and vision led to the establishment of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
This poignant ceremony serves as a tribute to their enduring legacy and underscores the hospital’s mission of hope and healing.
Now a world-class paediatric facility caring for over 300 000 children annually, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital owes its foundation to the sacrifice and philanthropy of these war heroes. Military dignitaries and supporters gathered at the ceremony, which was marked by speeches and heartfelt reflections.
Trevor Manuel, South Africa’s longest-serving Minister of Finance and a staunch supporter of the Children’s Hospital Trust, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the hospital’s dual role as a historical symbol and a beacon of hope.
“Each one, the hospital and the Remembrance Day, are both important,” Manuel said. “They are significant in their own way. Both share the history, and both are symbols of hope. This is a great paediatric facility, and our gathering here is about raising consciousness of the fact that this hospital can be an even greater facility.”
Manuel called for societal collaboration to prevent health tragedies and ensure a brighter future for children. “It’s great, but it can be even greater. That must be a candle of hope that we carry on in our hearts,” he remarked.
Upholding vision
The Children’s Hospital Trust, established 30 years ago, has been instrumental in upholding the vision of its founders, ensuring that high-quality healthcare reaches children across Africa.
Trust CEO Chantel Cooper highlighted the importance of the occasion, saying it was a moment to reflect on the past while shaping the future. “When we work in service of children, remembering the past becomes more than just a gesture,” Cooper said.
“As Trevor Manuel stated, we can carry the candle of hope in our hands to play a part in creating a better future for our children by ensuring they have access to healthcare.”
The event celebrated the selflessness of the hospital’s founding heroes, whose commitment to post-war healing transcended generations.
Cooper added: “By looking forward, we also look back and appreciate those who created the path for us.”
The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital stands as a testament to what can be achieved through vision and collaboration. Its commemoration is a reminder that the legacy of its founders continues to inspire, urging society to unite in creating a healthier, brighter future for children everywhere.
