Colleagues and members of various church ministries at the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy’s Solemn Ceremony.Clinical Anatomy Holds Annual Solemn Ceremony
UKZN’s Discipline of Clinical Anatomy (DOCA) recently held its annual Solemn Ceremony, honouring the lives and families of 40 people who donated their bodies as cadavers to be used for the medical education of students.
Colleagues and various religious leaders attended a ceremony at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine (NRMSM) before the cremation to pay tribute to the sacrifice made by the donors towards improving the lives of the living through medical education.
‘They are the seeds that die to give life to others,’ said one of the priests.
The family members of the donors were also recognised for sacrifices made in the interests of medical education.
The Pastoral Body of the Durban Christian Centre said: ‘Every single body at DOCA represents a life. These are legacies left behind.’
The clergy prayed for God to strengthen DOCA in its work. ‘The work you do towards saving lives is not just a service to the profession but also a service to God.’
Dean and Head of UKZN’s School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Professor William Daniels, expressed appreciation for the ceremony.
Daniels thanked those present and acknowledged that the bodies donated had been mothers, sisters, brothers and treasured members of society. ‘From an academic monitoring side it is very heart-warming to witness today’s proceedings.’
Dr Onyemaechi Azu, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Anatomy, said he was ‘at a loss for words’ to express DOCA’S appreciation to those at the ceremony.
‘Medical education is important for modelling South Africa’s future,’ said Azu.
Head of UKZN’s Department of Forensic Pathology, Dr Sageren Aiyer, said he was impressed by DOCA’s legally compliant handling of the Discipline.
DOCA is located on the Westville and Medical School campuses, offering undergraduate courses in Anatomy to medical and allied health professional students.
People keen to donate their bodies to the University can phone Mr Salem Kharwa on 031-260 4585 or email him at kharwas1@ukzn.ac.za.
Lunga Memela