2017-07-19
Laughter is often the best medicine – which is why uShaka Marine World and the KZN Department of Health organized a day of fun and entertainment for more than 70 patients from King Edward Hospital to celebrate Mandela Day today (18 July).
uShaka Marine World CEO, Stella Khumalo, said that her staff enjoyed hosting these guests on Mandela Day and doing what Africa’s largest marine theme park does best – entertaining the whole family across a multitude of generations.
The guest list included 30 children (each with a parent or carer), as well as 20 adolescents and 20 adults from the hospital’s clinic, ranging from 12 to 50 years old.
She highlighted that the full day’s entertainment was put in place by her very excited team who had worked hard to ensure the day was a success. The entire team at uShaka Marine World were involved on the day, acting as hosts as well as contributing towards the gifts.
The special visitors were welcomed into the park at 8:30am, after which the hospital’s CEO, some of the doctors and nurses, medical students and committee members enjoyed an official opening ceremony at 9am with food sponsored by Wimpy in Village Walk and uShaka Marine World. This was then followed by a visit to Sea World where they had the opportunity of watching a dolphin show as well as a seal and penguin viewing and got the chance to explore the aquarium whilst learning about our marine life.
After lunch was served by the uShaka Food and Beverage team from Durban's favourite and most unforgettable restaurant, Cargo Hold, the children were treated to some water fun at the Splish Splash island at uShaka Kids World, whilst the adults then had the opportunity to experience Wet ‘n Wild and its wonderful water slides. The day ended at 3pm with a closing ceremony where each patient received a special gift sponsored by uShaka Marine World and Wimpy from Village Walk
“It is always an honour to host those who would not ordinarily have access to a facility like this and see the joy on their faces. Through commemorating Mandela Day, we had the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Ubuntu in South Africa and the legacy of a great man. We are not just one of the anchor tenants along Durban’s golden Mile – but we have a heart of gold too!†said Khumalo.