ANCWL salutes Magashule for honouring Ngubentombi

The ANC Womens League (ANCWL) in the Fezile Dabi region has thanked Premier Ace Magashule for renaming Metsimaholo Regional Hospital after late health MEC, Fezi Ngubentombi.

Chairperson of the league, Thandiwe Soetsang told The Weekly that the announcement by the premier in his state of a nation address was a bold move in honouring Ngubentombi’s legacy. She described the late MEC as a hero and people’s leader.

She said Ngubentomi worked hard for the people of the Free State.

“The late comrade Fezi paved her way and we welcome the initiative and decision to name her home hospital after her. We strongly believe that the changes will be acknowledged by all of us and no objections will be made against this proposed name change.

“We also believe that she is proud of all the people of the Free State for this. Her love for healthy life style and leadership earned her honour from us all and we thank premier for taking people’s wish forward,” said Soetsang.

The chairperson of the ANCWL in the province, Sisi Ntombela, also applauded Magashule for honouring Ngubentombi.

“We always say you (Ngubentombi) will be missed with your work. The decision is to acknowledge the role the late Fezi played in our lives is commendable. She was brave servant of the people and served the Free State provincial government with distinction.

“She loved working with communities and grassroots structures. I do not believe there will be people who will disagree with the naming of the hospital after her. Only those disagreeing with everything would do that,” said Ntombela.

Ngubentombi and her driver died in a horrific car accident following the ANC’s rally in QwaQwa, ahead of the Mangaung Elective Conference. She served in the provincial, as well as the national executive committee (NEC) of the ANCWL and was also tipped to serve in the ANC NEC.

Many residents have welcomed the decision to name the hospital after her. Former teacher Mahanoy Rametsi told The Weekly said Ngubentombi, who was his class teacher at Nkgopoleng Secondary School, deserves the honour.

“I may differ with the premier with other things but here he has made good decisions, Mrs Ngubentombi served us well. She delivered a lot of services when she was the mayor of Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Also at the provincial government she continued to be true servant of the people.”

Mmaserame Leraisa said Ngubentombi defended the human rights of the residents of the area.

“I know her, and she used to call the doctors and nurses to order if there were dissatisfactions from the patients. I welcome the decision without any doubt. She deserves to be honoured. She did the same to others.”

The late Ngubentombi is still missed by many people in Sasolburg, she is praised for her efforts to introduce mobile clinic for people living in disadvantaged areas around Metsimaholo.