Former Gauteng Health MEC Hlongwa Passes Away After Short Illness The South African political landscape was rocked last week with the news of the passing of former Gauteng Health MEC, Dr. Bandile Masuku Hlongwa. The 54-year-old politician and medical doctor passed away on Friday, 13 September 2019, after a short illness. Dr. Hlongwa was a dedicated public servant who served the people of Gauteng with passion and commitment. He was a respected figure in the healthcare sector and his passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill. Born in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr. Hlongwa completed his medical studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and went on to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He then moved to Gauteng where he worked as a medical practitioner before venturing into politics. In 2014, Dr. Hlongwa was appointed as the MEC for Health in Gauteng, a position he held until 2019. During his tenure, he implemented various initiatives aimed at improving the healthcare system in the province. He was a strong advocate for universal healthcare and worked tirelessly to ensure that all citizens had access to quality healthcare services. Dr. Hlongwa was also instrumental in the establishment of the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, which provides specialized care to children from all over the continent. He was a firm believer in the power of education and invested in the training and development of healthcare professionals in the province. His dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and he received numerous accolades for his contributions to the healthcare sector. He was a recipient of the prestigious Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights and was also recognized by the World Health Organization for his efforts in improving maternal and child health. Dr. Hlongwa was a true leader who led by example. He was known for his hands-on approach and often visited hospitals and clinics to assess the quality of care being provided. He was also a champion for the rights of healthcare workers and worked towards improving their working conditions. His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and members of the public. Many have described him as a visionary leader who was dedicated to serving the people of Gauteng. His legacy will continue to live on through the impact he made in the healthcare sector and the lives he touched. Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, expressed his sadness at the loss of Dr. Hlongwa, stating that he was a true servant of the people and a role model for many. He also extended his condolences to the Hlongwa family and urged them to take comfort in the fact that their loved one had made a significant contribution to society. The African National Congress (ANC) also paid tribute to Dr. Hlongwa, describing him as a selfless leader who always put the needs of the people first. The party also acknowledged his role in the fight against HIV/AIDS and his efforts to reduce the maternal mortality rate in the province. Dr. Hlongwa's passing is a great loss to the healthcare sector and the country as a whole. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a visionary leader, and a compassionate human being. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve their communities with passion and integrity. In conclusion, the passing of Dr. Bandile Masuku Hlongwa has left a void in the hearts of many. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through the impact he made in the healthcare sector and the lives he touched. May his soul rest in peace.