DR ZWELI MKHIZE - HIS ROLE IN TRYING TO COMBAT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HIGHLIGHTS HIS COMMITMENT TO THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT OF THE MARGINALISED AND DISADVANTAGED

A THREE-PART RADIO DOCUMENTARY ON HIS LIFE COMPILED IN FEBRUARY 2009 IS BEING RE-PUBLISHED TO SAY THANK YOU TO DR ZWELI MKHIZE BY SUBRY GOVENDER

One of the political leaders who is playing a major and crucial role with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government in tackling the Corona Virus (Covid-19) is the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize. Since the Ramaphosa Government’s campaigns began more than two months ago, Dr Mkhize has been in the forefront with his team to try to control the spread of the dreaded pandemic. Dr Mkhize’s commitment brings to mind the kind of roles he has played in the political struggles and the socio-economic emancipation of the marginalised, the poor and the disadvantaged after 1994. I had the privilege of interviewing Dr Mkhize in February 2009 about of his early life, his student days, political struggles and his involvement in the new non-racial and democratic Government. I compiled a three-part Radio Documentary in order to recognise the invaluable contributions by Dr Mkhize. I have the pleasure of re-publishing the three-part documentary to say thank you to Dr Mkhize for his efforts in fighting Covid-19. PART ONE This is about his early life growing up in a farm near Pietermaritzburg and his school life.

PART TWO This is about his student days and struggles, helping in the formation of the UDF, his move into exile, return in 1991 and his entry into post-apartheid government after the April 1994 elections.

PART THREE This is about his political views about what should be done to improve the socio-economic conditions of the poor and marginalised, and his fight against corruption and personal enrichment of people who join the ruling ANC.