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Lieutenant General Zola Wiseman Songo Dabula[1] (20 October 1956 – 4 June 2023) was a South African military officer, who served as the Surgeon General of the South African Military Health Service.[2]
Zola Dabula | |
|---|---|
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| Birth name | Zola Wiseman Songo Dabula |
| Born | 20 October 1956 Eastern Cape, Transkei (now South Africa) |
| Died | 4 June 2023 (aged 66) |
| Allegiance | South Africa |
| Service | South African Military Health Service |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands |
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| Alma mater | University of Natal |
Early life
editZola Wiseman Songo Dabula was born in the former homeland of the Transkei in 1956. Having graduated from the University of Natal medical school, at the time reserved for black students, he returned to Umtata where he became involved in underground ANC structures. This led to his arrest, during which he shared a cell with an American priest Fr. Casimir Paulsen, both enduring torture at the hands of the apartheid regime.[3]
Military career
editWith the dawn of democracy in South Africa Dabula integrated into the newly formed South African National Defence Force where he served in various roles, ultimately being appointed Surgeon General in 2019.[4]
As executive head of the SANDF Presidential Medical Unit, Dr. Dabula oversaw the healthcare of President Nelson Mandela.[5]
Controversy
editLieutenant General Dabula was summoned to parliament to explain his role in the illegal importation by the South African Department of Defence of the Cuban produced drug interferon, which was being considered as a potential prophylactic against COVID-19.[6]
Death
editDabula died on 4 June 2023, at the age of 66.[7]
References
edit- ^ Mahlokwane, James (15 November 2019). "New health chief welcomed at parade". Pretoria News. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
- ^ "New chiefs of SA Army, Joint Operations, SAMHS announced". Defence Web. 11 October 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
- ^ "US Priest freed from Transkei tells of torture". NY Times. 20 March 1987.
- ^ "Meet South Africa's New Surgeon General". www.enca.com. 20 November 2019.[dead link]
- ^ "Madiba Goes Home". www.timeslive.co.za. 23 May 2011.
- ^ "More Questions than Answers on Cuban COVID-19 Drug". Defence Web. 18 February 2021.
- ^ SANDF mourns passing of former Surgeon General Zola Dabula
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