ABSTRACT
The Ribeiros’ collaboration with civil society in health promotion and disease prevention, culminated in social mobilisation and justice initiatives. By conducting research, monitoring and evaluating the health problems identified for collective action, the Ribeiros expanded their public health agenda to the level of an ecological model of public health, in terms of which health, societal and environmental issues were addressed as part of a single continuum. The Ribeiros integrated research as part of the centre's mission to advance clinical investigations and enhance public health knowledge on societal issues requiring practical solutions, such as the effective treatment of substance abuse in the community and mental health challenges, especially among the victims of police brutality and torture. During the most brutal phase of protracted torment by apartheid state, prior to their assassination, the Ribeiros and the Mamelodi community espoused the shared values of strength, integrity and resilience, as they sought to ward off the impending hazards posed by alcoholism and substance abuse.
