THE MERCURY Get a head start by following us J TUESDAY on Twitter @TheMercurySA News MARCH 28, 2017 5 ‘A FAT STOMACH CAN SYMBOLISE POWER’ MASTERPIECE RESTORED Medical Culture can feed tourism’s valuable childhood obesity service Kamcilla Pillay Kerushun Pillay THOSE in the medical tourism NTERVENTION strat- sector have defended the indus- egies in childhood obesity try, and the life-saving services in South Africa need to be they offer patients from all Itailored to address cultur- over the continent. ally-specific challenges, a new The companies were re- study has found. sponding to comments made Research by US academics, at a recent India-Africa part- published in the latest Journal nership conclave in Delhi at a of Obesity, found that cultur- session titled “Future-proof- al factors, like a fat stomach ing Africa’s development with being a symbol of power or of world-class education and being from a well-off family, healthcare systems”. were some of the reasons why Dr Charudutta Achyut children were raised with un- Apte, the chair and managing healthy lifestyles. director of Sahyadri Hospi- Researchers conducted tals, said during the forum that extensive interviews with 21 countries in southern Africa childminders and health work- Research published in the Journal of Obesity suggests some like Swaziland and Zimbabwe ers in the Cape Town area to South African families are happy to let their children be could treat many more pa- discover perceived factors in- overweight as it is a symbol of status, suggesting that the child tients with the money that was fluencing childhood obesity. comes from a well-off family. used to send patients to South Findings were illustrated Africa. by selected quotes from re- Respondents said there was Napier flagged the cost of He said many southern spondents, which represented insufficient attention given to nutritious food as another African countries relied on common themes among them. promoting healthy diets and problem, saying many were South Africa in cases involv- Respondents said fatness physical activity in schools. forced to rely on staples. She Visitors take pictures of Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Three Wise Men, which was returned to the public at the Uffizi ing advanced or specialist care being a “signifier of power” They expressed serious said interventions should look museum after six years of study and restoration, in Florence, Italy, yesterday. Painted in 1481, it is one of the most important works because of its advanced health- was a concern for them. concern at children suffering to diversify diets “to address of early Leonardo da Vinci. PICTURE: AP care infrastructure. “I think our culture doesn’t chronic diseases in later life all requirements of the body”. Apte said the healthcare care about what children eat. should things continue this She said intervening on systems of these countries They like the children to be big way. “Children will feel tired, the cultural aspect of eat- needed upgrading, and seek- in order for people to see that you see them tired and they get ing could prove difficult. “To ing treatment in a country like this child’s family (is) well-off,” sick. Most of the time that will change people’s way of doing Body found South Africa was not a solu- one person said. cause a heart attack as well as things is a long-term process. in case in Italy Need to involve young tion. Cultural food being inher- diabetes.” It has to be an ongoing bom- Director and founder of ently unhealthy was another Professor Carin Napier bardment of messages about ROME: A body found in a suit- Medical Tourism SA, Faith concern. of the Durban University of health, healthy eating and the case, which was fished out of Cartwright, said South African Familial factors such as Technology’s Department of consequences of not following the port in the Italian city of medical centres were equipped comfort-feeding children and Food and Nutrition agreed a balanced diet and healthy Rimini, was probably not that people in agriculture with state-of-the-art facilities, overfeeding also came up. that culture was crucial when lifestyle.” of a missing Chinese woman which was one of the reasons Environmental factors it came to one’s nutritional She said, however, that the whose German husband is in Kamcilla Pillay It depends on the choices that “In South Africa’s rural people from all over the con- were reported too: “A parent health. costs of such campaigns meant jail on suspicion of her mur- are made, firstly by govern- areas, this has absolutely not tinent continued to seek treat- encourages a child to stay at “Overweight can be seen as they were rarely pursued. der, Rimini’s chief prosecutor INVOLVING young people in ments, but also by the private happened.” ment here. home because it’s safer in the ‘happiness and affluence’ and The Mercury reported last said yesterday. Last month the agriculture and allowing them sector, by civil society, and by Tsakani Ngomane, the “It’s a great idea to invest house than outside,” one said. it is a much stronger view in August on a study that called woman went missing during to participate equally in the institutions like ours.” outcome facilitator on Rural in the medical care on offer in Another added: “How can some cultures. So when chil- for ethno-specific interven- a cruise. The suspect claims economy will help South Afri- The report, he said, was a Development from the Depart- those countries, but until these you walk to the park when dren grow up as overweight, tion strategies to solve health his wife walked off the ship, ca eradicate poverty. rallying call to policymakers ment of Planning, Monitoring countries reach our level of you’re likely to be assaulted or the parents may see it as good issues in the Indian commun- having become bored with the These are the findings of and development practitioners and Evaluation, said the report development, South Africa is raped?” caring practices.” ity. cruise. – dpa the International Fund for to beat poverty. resonated well with the object- meeting their medical needs.” Agricultural Development in “It brings together leading ives of the government’s Na- She said patients from its flagship publication The thinkers to analyse the experi- tional Development Plan 2030. other African countries sought Rural Development Report ences of rural development in “But what is clear is that many different medical servi- 2016, presented in Pretoria re- over 60 developing countries, even though we have the right ces in South Africa, including cently. including South Africa. policies, it is not happening in in-vitro fertilisation, cancer London terror victim The organisation, a spe- “This extensive research an inclusive manner.” treatments, spine treatments, cialised UN agency based in provides a solid foundation on The Southern African heart surgery, eye treatments, Rome, invests in rural people, which leaders and institutions Confederation of Agricultur- dentistry, cosmetic surgery, leaves positive legacy empowering them to reduce can base their policy choices al Unions said recently that MRIs and gastric treatments. poverty, increase food sec- and investments.” there were some barriers to People from certain Afri- LONDON: The family of the inspiration, a lot of life.” urity, improve nutrition and including the youth in farm- can countries stood to be stig- American victim in the British Cochran’s brother-in-law, strengthen resilience. Critical ing. matised for seeking fertility Parliament terrorism attack Clint Payne, added: “For those “Government policies that “These challenges include treatment and many of these said they “bear no harsh feel- of us who knew Kurt, we know bring rural young people into Nwanze said this focus on inadequate resources availed countries did not offer fertility ings or ill will” and “felt the he would not bear ill feelings the economic mainstream are rural development was critic- to the youth for investment, treatments, she said. love of so many people”. towards anyone. We can draw essential for South Africa’s al because three quarters of to the extent that youth who “It’s common for these Speaking at a UK press con- strength as a family from that. sustainable development,” the world’s poor lived in rural are qualified and interested in people to view the services ference days after Kurt Coch- “His life was an example said the organisation’s presi- areas, and the incomes of agriculture do not qualify to they receive in South Africa as ran, a musician from Utah, of focusing positively, not pre- dent, Kanayo Nwanze. 2.5 billion people worldwide access such resources due to a being superior to those offered was killed alongside three tending that negative things He emphasised that with still depended directly on rural number of reasons. in their own countries. It’s a others in a terrorist attack at don’t exist, but not living our almost a quarter of South Af- small farms. “There are also very few different mindset.” Westminster, his family related life in the negative and that’s ricans aged between 15 and 24, Hans Binswanger-Mkhize, institutions that are ready to The organisation has assist- how he lived a life of positivity. what we choose to do too.” and more than half of them Extraordinary Professor at provide capital and technical ed people from all over Africa, “Last night we were speak- Cochran and his wife, Me- unemployed, policies that the University of Pretoria who support for the youth to get en- including Angola, Nigeria, ing as a family about this and lissa, were sightseeing on the expanded employment – es- contributed to the writing of gaged in agriculture.” Uganda, Congo, Namibia, Zam- it was unanimous that none of last day of their 25th wedding Kurt and Melissa Cochran were celebrating their 25th wedding pecially in agriculture – were the report, said inclusiveness Social factors including bia, Botswana, Swaziland and us harbour any ill will or harsh anniversary trip to London anniversary in the UK. PICTURE: FACEBOOK/SHANTELL PAYNE essential. was essential for poverty re- public perception about farm- Tanzania. feelings towards this,” his when Kent-born Khalid Ma- “Who is going to grow the duction, and this was where ing and the influence of par- The Nurture Egg Donor sister-in-law, Sarah Payne- sood drove on to the pavement broken rib and an injured leg, the couple travelled abroad. food for us tomorrow? South Africa was lacking. ents who discouraged their programme said South Africa McFarland, said. of Westminster Bridge, killing was described by her sister They visited Scotland and Ire- “We need our young people “Inclusiveness is about children from becoming farm- had remained at the forefront “We love our brother; we Cochran and seriously injur- Jenny as a “fighter” who was land after landing in the UK on to take their creativity, their providing everyone, without ers also contributed to the low of medical innovation and love what he brought to the ing his wife before crashing recovering well. March 3. “Their last two weeks energy and their capacity for exception, with livelihood participation of youth in agri- today boasts first-class fertility world and we feel that this the car and stabbing police of- “They were so excited to here were amazing for the two hard work and apply it to grow- opportunities and the ability culture, especially primary clinics and the latest technol- situation will bring many good ficer Keith Palmer to death. come,” Cochran’s mother-in- of them, it was perfect,” she ing and processing food. to participate in the economy,” production. “A negative stigma ogy allowing for state-of-the- things to the world, a lot of Melissa, who suffered a law said. It was the first time added. – The Independent “But it doesn’t just happen. he said. is associated with farming.” art fertility treatment. The Scottish crowd ‘went ballistic’ as Marah danced with Mandela

In this extract from Marah of the dignitaries including of humble human being Nelson with me, including Fana Zulu, including Nelson Mandela, Walter Louw’s autobiography, Father Trevor Huddleston. The Mandela was: he had no fear of Vusi Khumalo, Jabu Nkosi and WITH a career spanning over 40 Sisulu, Robert Sobukwe and atmosphere took on an electric being attacked. He was completely Mabi Thobejane. They all agreed years, Marah Louw is counted Steve Biko. I believed in the many she recounts her joy at the quality when Nelson Mandela relaxed and joyful. to support me for free. among South Africa’s musical and who spent most of their lives chance to sing for Madiba arrived and took to the podium. Later that afternoon, we made Brian and the Scottish AAM entertainment industry royalty and imprisoned and all our unsung When he spoke it began to pour our way from George Square took care of all the logistics, has a powerful and memorable story heroes, people who were entitled to tell. PRIOR to the Glasgow trip in with rain; a good sign in my to the Concert Hall, where an including flights, accommodation to a better life than the one we This book is the reader’s front-row 1993, I had never dreamed that I culture. It means the ancestors audience of some 2 000 people and meals. Billy functioned as ticket to the joys, sadness, triumphs were being subjected to. So it was would meet Nelson Mandela, the are happy. Nobody opened from the National Assembly of my personal manager and took and setbacks that have been part of important for me to heed the call to great man who made so many an umbrella. Local Authorities turns driving the bus with my tour this legend’s life. travel and perform for free to raise sacrifices and spent years locked Everyone just were gathered, manager, Angela. I performed in Even though she is a celebrity, funds for the ANC, who were our up in prison fighting for freedom stood, soaking wet, along with other four of the cities that gave Nelson her story aims to show that stars, no hope of freedom and democracy. in South Africa. I never imagined to listen to Nelson guests. Again, Mandela the Freedom of the City – matter how bright, are human too. It of President Nelson Mandela and It was disheartening, however, that I would be chosen out of so Mandela. the audience was Aberdeen, Dundee, Kingston Upon also delves into her family secrets and the Freedom Day Celebrations at the that the ANC responded to my Union Buildings in Pretoria. many other talented artists to go to After his speech fired up when I Hull and Glasgow. We also had her search for truth. contribution with silence. A As one of South Africa’s most In 2001, Marah produced the travel to other countries and sing I went to hug him performed and performances in Liverpool, Islwyn simple letter of acknowledgement iconic entertainers, Marah has had successful musical concert Surf, would have sufficed. But that for this esteemed leader. and started singing. Nelson Mandela and Edinburgh. In each city we an illustrious career. She performed which featured top South African When it did happen, being He was supposed walked on to the had full houses. It was a magical at the Mandela Concert at London’s artists including Hugh Masekela. never happened, even though a lot in the same room with him, up to finish his speech stage. success. In Liverpool my dear Wembley Stadium and she sang at Marah translated the music of of funds were raised… close and personal, it was surreal. and be whisked By the end of brother and friend Julian Bahula the Newsmaker of the Year Awards, The Lion King into Zulu for the Walt In 1990, after Mandela was It happened at the Hilton Hotel off to another that day I was supported me. It was great to be presented to Nelson Mandela and FW Disney Corporation and performed released, I got a phone call from in Glasgow on October 8, 1993, venue, but when tired, not only united with him after so many de Klerk, and in honour of the late the theme song Circle of Life in Zulu. Bra Wally Serote from the ANC when Mandela was awarded the he heard my voice from performing years. Chris Hani. She was also an Idols judge from cultural desk inviting me to 2003 until 2010. She had a lead role Freedom of the City by nine UK he started dancing but from the Like many other artists who She appeared with Nelson London to perform for a concert, Mandela during his visit to Glasgow on the SABC2 television soap opera regions. with me. I was rapturous supported the ANC during the entitled Nelson Mandela: An in 1993 and sang at George Square Muvhango and is currently acting International Tribute for a I’d been invited to perform astonished. I sang welcomes Struggle, I did this not for the and The Royal Concert Hall. In in the Mzansi Magic telenovela The at the event by Brian Filling, and danced with we received acclaim, recognition or hope 1994 she sang at the inauguration Queen. Free South Africa, at Wembley chairman of the Scottish branch him as if there was throughout the of personal gain. I, along with Stadium. At the time I was in a of the British Anti-Apartheid no tomorrow. The day. It’s a feeling millions of other “inxiles” musical at the Market Warehouse Movement (AAM). I first met Scottish crowd went ballistic, I will hold on to for the rest of my suffered just as much if not more I’m not saying all this to millions who, after more than 20 called Blues In The Night. I was so him in South Africa the previous clapping and dancing. I felt like I life and that nobody can take away than the exiles. We weathered the undermine the exiles. All black years into this democracy, are still excited I immediately asked the year through Lentswe Mokgatle, had died and gone to heaven. As from me. storms of teargas, rubber bullets people, including coloureds and going to bed without a meal, a job directors to find a replacement. a mutual comrade and friend. soon as I finished performing the I was invited back to Scotland and real bullets that killed many Indians, as well as the whites who or a roof over their heads, are still Nothing would make me pass up The event was held at George rain stopped. Our picture made in 1994, just before our first people, including children. We were in solidarity with us, were being denied basic rights, still do the honour of singing for Mandela Square in Glasgow. Security was headlines around the world. As democratic elections, for a show endured police harassment on a all part of the Struggle for the not own land. at Wembley Stadium. tight because there were so many Mandela was escorted out, he called Mara Louw – Freedom Tour. daily basis, incarcerations, and liberation of all in this beloved I did this because I believed people, all waiting patiently to see broke away from the tight security The AAM had organised it as part saw people being beaten with country. I take offence when I in the ANC, the PAC and other The autobiography It’s me, Mandela. to greet and shake hands with of a fundraising tour for the ANC sjamboks. We were humiliated and hear exiles insinuating that all political parties; in the people Marah is published by Jacana I was chaperoned throughout the people in the crowd, creating election campaign. I took a band insulted every time we were called those who didn’t go into exile were who took part in the Struggle, Media at a recommended retail the day. On stage, I joined some a security panic. That’s the kind of professional musicians along “k*****”. collaborators. It is an insult to the inside and outside of the country, price of R250.