DAILY NEWS PAGE 11 VIEWS&ANALYSIS MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1 2014

calls. “Disease is a bad thing. It They call him makes you very frightened. But then we saw that they were try- ing to help us. Nobody else had the father of done this. It was very new for Doctor who made the us. Now we like to help.” modern For her the autumn red pan- els of the Africa Centre, silhou- etted against the azure blue epidemiology, African sky, are synonymous with knowledge and under- with his roots standing, a welcome beacon in world sit up and listen one of the planet’s most dis- ease-laden regions firmly in KZN. And that is exactly what the Sussers had envisioned – a “door-to-door” approach of Liz Clarke gathering information and set- ting up advisory networks to reports help families cope with what they termed “unimaginable HE death of an elderly misery”. doctor in New York They believed this was the earlier this month long-term solution to getting Twould in all possibility the answers the medical and have gone unnoticed, unher- health professional world so alded, by the inhabitants of an desperately needed. isolated rural settlement in And they were right. Northern Zululand. Scientists like Salim (Slim) Yet ask 74-year-old grand- Abdool Karim, director of the mother, Precious Majolo, or The Hlabisa village in northern Zululand. Centre of Aids Prevention and any other senior citizen from Research in South Africa the area known as Hlabisa, (Caprisa), says that Susser’s what changes have taken place MERVYN SUSSER: CAREER IN BRIEF dogged determination to help in this far-flung village of disadvantaged communities to 90 000 residents, and she will MERVYN Wilfred Susser headed by Susser struck Township. overcome disease and social lift her hands to the sky above. was born on September 26, out with a small group of In 1957, Susser was ills through practical science, “So many things have hap- 1921, in Johannesburg. A colleagues to direct a appointed lecturer in social has been one of the greatest pened here. Before we were like 1950 graduate in medicine “township” clinic, in and preventive medicine at contributions made to public the rubbish you throw away. from the University of Alexandra, Johannesburg. the University of health. Too many people sick and dy- Witwatersrand, he spent Although they began Manchester, and, in 1964, “He is the father of modern ing. Today we know a lot. We several years in community with no knowledge of reader and head. epidemiology,” says Karim. have learnt about HIV and how clinical work in the epidemiology, the effort In 1966, he was “His wisdom and foresight, to- we can stop getting the sick- Alexandra Health Centre. naturally led them to carry appointed chair of the gether with his wife, Zena’s, ness. It’s a better life, much bet- At a time when the out one of the first studies division of epidemiology at will never be forgotten – cer- ter. We can teach our children majority of the country’s of community health in the Columbia University, where tainly in this province.” what we never knew.” population was virtually developing world, published he founded the PhD Thanks to the Sussers, the ignored in medical in the Lancet in 1955 as programme in world has sat up and listened to Wind curricula, a task team Medical Care in an African epidemiology. many of the findings coming If one could unravel the from this remote part of strings back to when the wind Africa. One major project at of change blew across this bar- the founders of a new order of their “progressive” ideas of on South Africa. Hlabisa showed that exclusive ren landscape, you would find epidemiology. public health, they continued In later years, KZN became breast-feeding can be done, for at the driving wheel Mervyn “Researchers should not be their careers in public health the springboard for them to both infected and uninfected Susser, the former South foot soldiers following the dic- in the US where they found take their ideology to the next babies. This study has been African doctor whose passing tates of a bureaucratic centre,” themselves at the coalface of level, a leap of faith if ever very influential in terms of in- in the US last month, aged 93, Susser believed. “I see that as a the explosive beginning of the there was one. ternational guidelines. was mourned by academics danger to individual scientific Aids epidemic. It is a level that grandmoth- At the moment, the Africa and health professionals enterprise. Epidemiology is ul- Undaunted by political ers like Majolo know well. She, Centre has more than 6 500 peo- around the globe. Mervyn Susser and his wife, Zena. timately a science that provides threats, they were instrumen- like many others, has partici- ple on treatment and 15 000 to A maverick, in an age when the basis for public health ac- tal in organising a conference pated in the Africa Centre for 20 000 people who are not yet el- independent thinking was of- mitment that exposed them to tor, you’d best marry one. We had to be more than a numbers tion, no less the case in the era in Maputo, Mozambique, that Health and Population Studies igible for treatment who are be- ten frowned upon, Susser and the prickly side of the argue and often fiercely dis- game, a practical science that of molecular and genetic epi- brought together public health research programmes for ing monitored – testament that his wife, Zena, fought to get bet- apartheid government. agree about things, but that’s got to the root cause of chronic demiology.” experts from inside South many years. rigorous science and social jus- ter health outcomes for poor Once, describing the work how things are achieved.” illness, and sought ways to ad- For the couple, 1990 was a Africa, from the exile commu- “First, when the re- tice are the hallmarks of suc- people in South Africa during he did with Zena, he quipped: What they didn’t disagree dress it at grass-root basis. watershed year. Eventually nity and from the US to focus searchers knocked on our cess. the 50s and 60s. It was a com- “if you want a good collabora- about was that epidemiology Today they are regarded as hounded from South Africa for on the possible impact of HIV doors, we were fearful,” she re- [email protected] Doubts remain over Mozambique peace deal MAPUTO: A peace deal signed Frelimo, the former independ- ity regimes in the then Rhode- cising its role in parliament. by the Mozambican govern- ence movement that has ruled sia (today Zimbabwe) and Renamo has long accused the ment and the armed political Mozambique since independ- South Africa, Renamo waged a government of corruption and party, Renamo, is allowing peo- ence from Portugal in 1975. 16-year civil war against Fre- economic mismanagement. ple who had fled fighting, to re- But if it gets a substantial limo, whose initially Marxist The peace deal foresees an turn home. The coming elec- share of seats in parliament, regime was supported by the amnesty for Renamo members tions could determine whether that will empower it to pres- Soviet Union and Cuba. charged with crimes, its disar- the peace would be permanent. sure the government to inter- A 1992 peace deal, which mament, the reintegration of People carrying goods on pret the peace deal to its advan- turned Renamo into the coun- its fighters into the army and their heads or shoulders can be tage, says Dimpho Motsamai, a try’s main opposition party, put police force, and a more equi- seen trekking along the main Mozambique analyst at South Mozambique on the path of re- table distribution of wealth. south-north highway, on which Africa’s Institute for Security covery. But in 2012, Renamo Yet details of how the peace Renamo carried out ambushes. Studies. leader Afonso Dhlakama deal will be applied are still in Some convoys of vehicles If Renamo – which cur- launched a low-level insur- the dark. are still escorted by security rently has 51 seats in the 250- gency, accusing Frelimo of ex- Some of Renamo’s de- forces. member parliament – does cluding the opposition from mands, such as joint command Even though a peace deal has been signed in Mozambique, “Just a few days have gone badly in the elections, that power structures and from par- of the army, are clearly impos- security forces still patrol some villages. by and we don’t know how ef- could prompt it to relaunch the ticipation in the economy. sible for the government, says A forthcoming election in Mozambique could determine whether fective the peace deal is,” says military conflict that has The insurgency has in- Aditi Lalbahadur, a researcher the peace would be permanent. violence would help to ensure power Portugal, which is grap- Angelica Maquisso, a univer- plagued the African country cluded attacks against police with the South African Insti- the growth rate of more than pling with an economic crisis. sity student in Maputo. for two years, Motsamai said. stations, military barracks, tute of International Affairs. strong signal, but it would have Cadeato. 8 percent that the World Bank The big challenge, says Lal- Analysts say the key could If any party alleges fraud, railway lines and above all, am- The signing of the peace added value if it were signed by The elections will pit and the African Development bahadur, is preventing those in lie in the October 15 elections, that might open a space for Re- bushes on the north-south deal did not persuade the top leadership from both Dhlakama against former de- Bank forecast for one of power from pocketing a dispro- campaigning for which began namo to respond violently, highway. The exact number of Dhlakama to leave his hideout sides,” that is, President Ar- fence minister Felipe Nyusi. Africa’s most dynamic portionate share of the wealth, yesterday. Mozambican analyst Fernando fatalities is not known. in the Gorongosa mountains. mando Guebuza and Guebuza may no longer run for economies in 2014-15. which so far has failed to Renamo is deemed to have Lima concurred. Renamo’s guerrilla warfare “The declaration of a cessa- Dhlakama, says Mozambican president after completing two The country has become a trickle down to the poor major- virtually no chance of beating Supported by white minor- has not prevented it from exer- tion of hostilities is a very political analyst Calton terms. A definitive end to the magnet for the former colonial ity. – Sapa-DPA Exception taken to Transnet bonuses and expensive post office executives Politics fall into arrears for millions of government? She is a shining What a fine gentleman and point. First, the teachers, now ● The Post Office has been rands towards lights and example of hope, dignified still the best slide tackler in the doctors, what next? We all operating at a loss, thus ● Yonela Diko – “Leave it to water bills, and are given and the epitome of a lady. One the business. Today’s prima know the problems facing us. denying its employees a Parliament.” Can anyone grace to settle their accounts, can’t help comparing her with donnas could learn a lesson or What we want are solutions. reasonable increase and blame Madonsela for “having is there a reason why I, as a the querulous, whining two from him. Sympathies to So, Prem, don’t sound like a benefits for the past few no confidence in Parliament” pensioner, am asked to pay an Baleka Mbete and Jessie his wife and family. stuck CD – help us find years. The question is: why and therefore “showing additional deposit of R643 for Duarte, who both have dodgy solutions. is there a need for disrespect”, when our judicial falling into arrears? The history in their backgrounds, ● Now that Man United is expensive executives in the system, as well as Parliament, house belongs to my son, who but who are unbelievably in failing to pick up wins, and PO? They have a chief have repeatedly failed to works and lives in Cape Town. the highest echelons of the results are not forth- Odds and ends executive, a chief operating bring, especially, top-brass Is this deposit legal? Any ANC government. Says it all, coming, Nev7 seems to be in ● City’s equity plan. officer, a chief information ministers and high-profile comments from the heads of unfortunately. hibernation. AK 7777 Speaking of demographics, officer, a chief financial persons connected to the department? Anthony M. READERS’ VIEWS which demographic pays officer, not to mention ruling party to book? E.s.e. ● Thuli Madonsela for ● How many of the first-team the highest rates and the board executives and ● The Editor reserves the right to edit or omit SMSes ● The ANC have actively president! Someone with rugby players attended bulk of rates to the city? endless unqualified GMs. ● Message to Gwede undermined the dignity and honour, Glenwood when they were in Just asking. Mantashe and other Zuma constitution, the Section 9 someone we can be proud during the conflict between him play for Durban City. To Grade 10? I don’t think the ● Yet another shooting at supporters: right is right institutions, Parliament, of. Vote Thuli Madonsela Israel and Hamas are never me the best full-back this results would be an issue if it ● The Racegoer dated police this morning off Nandi and wrong is wrong. I’m the cabinet, the judiciary as for President, PM, Durban celebrated because they are country produced. He was the came down to coaching August 27 states “VAAL sand Drive. Criminals using AK-47s surprised you don’t know well as the criminal justice North. unintended. Same goes for king of the sliding tackle. methods, but it appears the track THURSDAY” . I based and high performance the difference. BRM. system, all levels of America. However, this From Hoy Park, Old problem other schools have is my bets on horses with “sand vehicles, while flying squad governance and ● The difference between cannot be said for the likes of Kingsmead to New its “recruiting” . form”. Guess what, they battle to put vehicles on the ● To BackChatter Lelo: you international and public Thuli Madonsela and the ANC Hamas, Hezbollah and IS, who Kingsmead, he was an idol of raced on dried out grass road because of repairs and are right – the Speaker of the trust. SA cannot afford big wigs is she understands search for civilian targets and the City supporters like track and I lost all my bets. I other internal politics. Where house should be impartial, but Zuma, his network of democracy – they don’t. it is their intention to kill as myself. Condolences to his Teachers/education usually lose anyway, just so are our police helicopters? how can she be when she’s an cronies, nor the ANC as a many people as possible. family. May he rest in peace. ● The person who you know. Cheers. Punter JP. People need to stand up ANC appointment and she’s collective, who spend most When has any American or responded to my BackChat against this poor there to protect her cronies? of their time trying to Middle East Israeli soldier executed a ● Go well, Ken regarding teachers. Sir, my ● Petrol price to drop by 70 management. How often have we seen her defend the indefensible. All ● As a non-Muslim, I civilian, Yusuf ? NCS. Denysschen. Although main point was many cents? No, no, no – reduce step in when an ANC member this at the expense of state support the caliphate. those days, on reflection, teachers complain about by 50c only and get rid of ● Who is Sigonyela to say is being out-jabbed by the resources. RB. Muslims can move there ● Calling all BackChatters, were seriously tinged with marking of test papers and all road tolls. Transnet owe the opposition? LG Naidoo, and live under shariah and join us and 50 000 others as ugly apartheid, I will preparing lessons for their pensioners not a cent? My Durban. we in the West can be safe we protest against the personally remember you pupils. These are part and ● Well done, Ntokozo late husband worked 31 Public Protector from attacks. execution of 250 Syrian and other City players not parcel of your duty. You Qwabe. Go on, young man, years for Transnet and we ● Are Jessie Duarte and ● I am filled with the utmost soldiers by IS. Oh, wait, it as whites, but people who shouldn’t be complaining you have got what it takes to only get a 2% increase Gwede Mantashe twins? dread for the time when ● Yusuf: you should go back wasn’t Israel who executed became part of my about this. You very well succeed. Make a name for every year, and that is in Not only do they look alike, advocate Thuli Madonsela’s to school and educate yourself them. Protest cancelled. indelible childhood knew what profession you yourself. Your success, black and white. They must but both are very abrasive contract comes to an end. Who rather than making memories. e.s.essa. had chosen and what is despite coming from a rural stop paying bonuses to all people. will then shield us from and comments about issues of required from you. Prem. area, speaks a lot about the big shots. So, Transnet, inform us about the rotten, which you know nothing. Sport ● So sorry to read of the your determination to get a skrik and wake up. ● If Parliament is allowed to corrupt actions of the Tragic deaths of children ● Ken Denysschen:I watched passing of Kenny Denysschen. ● Prem is forever missing the succeed. PS. Els.