Social Development MEC, Nancy Sihlwayi will be leading a drive to honour struggle stalwart Ernest Malgas when the Department hosts a Memorial Lecture on the 14 April, and opens the Ernest Malgas Treatment Centre on the 15 April 2016.
In response to the growing negative impact of substance abuse in society, the Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape has initiated the establishment of a State treatment Centre for children in the Province. In July 2013 construction started with the renovation of the closed Arthur Nyobo Primary School in Singaphi street New Brighton.
The facility is hosting 38 children between 13 and 18 years for a residential treatment period of 9 weeks, featuring a multi-disciplinary approach.
With treatment in private drug rehabilitation centres costing over R35 0000, there has been a great need for a state-run facility for parents who cannot afford to have their children admitted to private centres.
The opening of the Centre marks a major mile stone in the fight against substance abuse and its devastating effects in society, it strives to not only publicize the opening of the Ernest Malgas Treatment Centre, but also to pay tribute to the man behind the name. The Opening will also be utilized to create a platform for service providers and practitioners in the field of substance abuse to highlight their achievements in treatment, service delivery gaps and policy issues.
Hon Premier of EC Mr P Masualle will officiate the opening of the Centre on 15 April 2016. The opening ceremony will be preceded by a Tombstone Unveiling of Mr Ernest Malgas led by the EC Premier and Memorial Lecture for Mr Ernest Malgas led by Ambassador-Designate to Germany, Stone Sizani on the morning and evening of 14 April 2016 respectively.
These proceedings will take place as follows:
- Tombstone Unveiling Church Service – 14 April 2016 at 09H00 in the Nangoza Jebe Hall, Port Elizabeth
- Tombstone Unveiling at 10H00 in the Papenkuil Cemetery
- Memorial Lecture for Ernest Malgas at 18h00 in the Nangoza Jebe Hall, Port Elizabeth and delivered by Ambassador-Designate to Germany, Stone Sizani
- Official Opening by the Premier Phumullo Masualle – 15 April 2016 at 10:00 at the Ernest Malgas Treatment Centre, New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
Ernest Malgas Biography
Snqokwana Ernest Malgas was born on 08 August 1937 in Korsten, Port Elizabeth and later moved to Red Location in New Brighton. His life was one of massive hardship. Malgas became involved in the struggle after the 1952 riots. Police came looking for his neighbour but picked up him instead.
It was the greatest mistake they could have ever have made, the six weeks inside was his introduction into political education as he listened to discussions of others in the cells with him. Malgas joined the ANC by the 1950’s. In 1961 he was recruited to Umkhonto WeSizwe where he met with the MK Commander Henry Fazzie in Dar es Salaam.
In 1963 he was jailed on Robben Island for fourteen years. Together with Henry Fazzie they led the Port Elizabeth Black Civic Organisation (PEBCO) as early as in the 1980s. Malgas was severely tortured in 1985 and detained again in 1986-9 under the State of Emergency.
The dream for a Museum in Red Location (to reflect on the areas’ vibrant historical past) was initiated by Ernest Malgas in the early 1990’s and supported by the NMB ANC-led Local Government.
Editor: The Red Location Museum is unfortunately still closed.
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