Support for Nozizwe Madlala Routledge

Dear Nozizwe,

You have done us proud. You represent the best values that so many of
us have fought for and for which so many have died.

Your dismissal on the eve of National Women's Day is the clearest
signal that our country is suffering from a serious leadership crisis.
It is an assault on so many of us at the very time when we are
encouraging a greater gentleness and shift away from violence. Over the
next few weeks, every effort will have to be made to ensure that those
who are sane and committed direct all their wisdom to bring levity to
this difficult moment.

The health challenges facing us are enormous and every one is needed to
move the ship forward. You represented a significant part of society
committed to improving this sector. Your dismissal holds the danger of
derailing the wonderful efforts that have recently been made to
cement a unified approach to our problems. In the end, the work has to
be done and no amount of political bickering will change that central
fact.

Please be assured that you are very widely supported.

Friends of Nozizwe Madlala Routledge