In mid-January 2003, the Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar, having undergone medical tests, was informed by his medical team that he had been diagnosed to have Hodgkins-Classic, a form of cancer of the lymph nodes. An eight months course of treatment has been prescribed. Over this period, he must receive therapy for one week in each month. The rest of the month requires no treatment.
The treatment includes chemotherapy administered orally (through tablets). Minister Omar received his first round of treatment for a week as from 13 January 2003. He is currently resting at home after this first round of treatment.
The Minister has informed President Thabo Mbeki of his condition and the fact that he will not be able to carry out his functions optimally. Further discussions between the Minister and the President will take place in due course.
In the current period, during Minister Omar’s rest and to deal with any urgent matters in the Department, the President has appointed the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Jeff Radebe to stand in as acting Minister of Transport.
The President and the government as a whole wish Minister Dullah Omar a speedy recovery, and we are confident that he will be able to continue discharging his services to the people of our country during this difficult period. We also hope that the Minister and his family will be accorded the privacy they need and deserve.
Enquires
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
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