Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Mabuyane, accompanied by Mzimvubu Local Municipality mayor, Councillor Zukiswa Ndevu, visited the home of the late former Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Lieutenant General (ret) Zola Dabula (66), who passed away recently.
Dabula was laid to rest at his home in Mount Frere last week.
According to the statement issued by Provincial Government spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie, Mabuyane was deeply saddened by the passing of Dabula.
“As a country we are poorer without his contribution to society. We admired his tenacity and will forever be indebted to him and the team of medical practitioners who played a significant role in providing care and support to our late statesman, Dr Nelson Mandela,” said Mabuyane.
In 2020 he was in the front line, together with his team of medical doctors, supporting the province in pushing back the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Mabuyane, he responded with agility when the province was in need of his expertise and deployed his team to help them through the greatest medical crisis of their young democracy.
Ndevu was also deeply saddened by the passing of Dabula, who was a true inspiration to residents.
She said his commitment to the SANDF was a true reflection of his commitment to the people of South Africa.
“On behalf of our municipality allow me to extend my sincere condolences to the Dabula family. I pray that they too shall be granted strength to overcome this great loss.
“May the son of the soil rest in harmony and may the family also find peace in solace that he is now resting,” said Ndevu.
Dabula was appointed as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Military Hospital on September 1, 2005.
He was appointed as the GOC of Tertiary Military Health Formation in November 2011.
He was promoted to the rank of Major General and became the Chief Director Military Health Force Preparation in February 2013.
Dabula also served as the Strategic Commander of the Presidential Medical Unit of the Republic of South Africa.
