Hamilton Naki - Personal Life, Post-retirement Activities and Recognition, and Death

Personal Life, Post-retirement Activities and Recognition, and Death

Naki was reported to be married with four sons and one daughter. He lived in a small one-room house without electricity or running water and sent "most of his pay to his wife and family, left behind in Transkei," but "could pay for only one of his five children to stay to the end of high school." He was active in his church and read the Bible frequently.

After retirement, Naki helped the community of Kentani, where part of his family lived, for example "in the construction of a school and in the provision of a mobile clinic" by soliciting donations from his "medical contacts". He received public recognition of his medical work after his retirement, including:

• Metropolitan Eastern Cape Award, 2002.
• The Bronze Order of Mapungubwe, 2002, presented by President Thabo Mbeki. One of the highest South African civil honours, this Order is "awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement."
• BTWSC Black S/Heroes Award, 2003.
• An honourary master's degree from the University of Cape Town in 2003, presented by vice chancellor Graça Machel. The honourary degree was described as MMed (Master of Medicine) in some sources and MSc (Master of Science) in others.
• Inclusion in a "senior civil guard of honour" at the 2004 opening of the Parliament of South Africa.

He died in Langa on 29 May 2005, aged 78, of "heart trouble."