Today we celebrate the legacy of South Africa’s greatest leader Nelson Mandela, who always acted with compassion and integrity in a global call for kindness, compassion and reconciliation. He understood that we are all connected, and how achieving unity called for sharing ourselves with others and caring for those around us saying:
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.”
You will be aware that The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa is a non-profit company that is built on the voluntary annual subscriptions of its members, and of members who serve the organisation voluntarily and without pay throughout the year. As we remember Nelson Mandela today, I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate each one of you who selflessly follow his example, not only today, but throughout the year, tirelessly and without compensation giving of your time and expertise to advancing medical-specialist skills in the face of a shortage of specialists in South Africa.
It is your commitment that enables us to examine thousands of medical doctors who provide South Africans with essential specialist and sub-specialist care and with higher medical care after obtaining CMSA diplomas. It is your collective tireless efforts, contributions and sacrifices on which the CMSA is built, and which serves the greater good. You mark the spirit of ubuntu and honour Nelson Mandela’s words:
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Professor Eric Buch
CEO
