Joan Brooks, Karen Bennett, Ruth Larmond, Tammy Tenny, Dr. Jayd Kanjee, Lorna King-Bobb, Janet Burnside, Dr. Dennis Forrester and Dr. Leon Augustine on the familiarization tour of Benedictine Hospital, Nongoma, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. (© Eunice Oluoch/2007-04-10)

After breakfast, we loaded up the coach and went to conduct site inspections at the three locations where our medical and ministry services will be offered.

First stop was Benedictine Hospital, Nongoma a small town about 60 kilometres away from Ulundi. The hospital’s Medical Manager, Dr. Leon Augustine, gave the visiting doctors and nurses a guided tour of the facilities. Dr. Jayd Kanjee, Chief Medical Officer, Anesthesiology also accompanied the group.

Cramped and overcrowded. Benedictine Hospital’s maternity ward, where the expectant mothers often have to sleep two to a bed. (© Eunice Oluoch/2007-04-10)

Next we visited a rural clinic where the medical team familiarized themselves with the resources that they would have to work with, and our last stop was the bucolic palace grounds of the Zulu King, His Majesty Goodwill Zwelithini. The King has given us his permission to hold a medical mission on his land; we will also be handing out school uniforms from that site.

Mahasini Clinic, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. (© Eunice Oluoch/2007-04-10)

Two of the round houses (Roundervelt) on the Palace Grounds of the Zulu King. (© Eunice Oluoch/2007-04-10)