The day when pioneering Soweto medical specialist and jazz lover Dr. Jiyane ‘Cde Jiji’ will share the podium of honor with seasoned artists and athletes
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
What does well known Soweto pioneering medical specialist Dr. Jiyane Mbere, known affectionately as ‘Cde Jiji’ have anything to do with the arts? The answer is everything. This is because besides his love for jazz music, a regular patron at Niki’s Oasis in Newtown, especially when there is a jazz concert, now that he is retired, he will be sharing a podium of honour this Sunday with among others arts veterans and retired sportsmen among other professionals from other fields.
Cde Jiji’ is among retired professionals, men, who have distinguished themselves, who will be honoured by the Gauteng Provincial Government at the Linder Auditorium Wits Education Campus.
“The Gauteng Provincial Government, led by the Department of Social Development, will honour former Statistician-General Pali Lehohla and Bafana Bafana legend Neil ‘Mokoko’ Tovey for their exceptional contributions to building a better South Africa. They will be celebrated at the prestigious 365 Men of the Year Awards, an event dedicated to combating gender-based violence by highlighting positive male role models.
Joining Lehohla and Tovey on stage will be another esteemed honouree, Dr. Jiyane Mbere, known affectionately as ‘Cde Jiji’ – Soweto’s first specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at the Linda Auditorium in the Wits Education Department, Parktown.
The acting Head of Department, Mr Bongani Ngomane, emphasised the significance of the annual event, held during International Men’s Month as part of an ongoing anti-Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) campaign. Ngomane noted that Lehohla, Tovey, and Mbere will be celebrated in the Legends category for their remarkable service to the nation. “In this category, we honour retired men who have made extraordinary contributions to South Africa,” Ngomane stated.
“We hope this recognition inspires other men to follow their example, embodying the qualities of true South African men.” These honourees have distinguished themselves through dedication and service. Lehohla served South Africa as the Statistician-General, representing the nation on the international stage, including as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s 25- member panel on the Data Revolution. Tovey, as captain of Bafana Bafana, led the team to its historic victory in the 1996 AFCON, a win that united South Africans and fostered social cohesion. Dr. Mbere, an anti-apartheid struggle veteran, celebrated scholar, medical professional, and businessman, played a pioneering role in establishing health centers for indigent communities around Kliptown while lecturing at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital,” says a statement released ahead of the event.
In addition to Lehohla, Tovey, and Mbere, the awards will recognize 10 other men from various fields, including education, sports, arts and culture, business, health, and community development. Ngomane expressed hope that by celebrating these exemplary South Africans, the awards will raise awareness of the positive role men can play in addressing gender based violence and promoting community development.
Past awardees include notable figures such as the late George Bizos, Bruce Fordyce, Andrew Mlangeni, Kaizer Motaung, Jomo Sono, the late Mbongeni Ngema, and other exceptional men.