Nurse honoured on International Volunteer Day
“We give them first-hand professional experience at the mobile clinic. We also teach them to encourage their patients to take control of their health by getting tested often and informing themselves about preventative measures.”
Kwatsaduza – Professor Tendani Ramakumba has been selected as a volunteer of the year as part of International Day of the Volunteer.
This is a day to acknowledge and celebrate individuals who play an active-service role within our communities.
Ramakumba has been serving the vulnerable in various communities around South Africa for 40 years.
She is passionate about bringing healthcare to communities lacking medical facilities.
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She also teaches patients how to take control of their health through education and destigmatising illness.
Ramakumba heads up Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) mobile clinic project, which brings healthcare resources to the most vulnerable communities across Gauteng.
“This project ensures that these communities have access to adequate healthcare, which is of growing significance to the most vulnerable of communities.
“Easy access to adequate healthcare goes a long way in preventing diseases.
“The mobile clinics enable communities to take responsibility for their health and the health of their families.
“It is increasingly important for corporates to invest in the communities that support them.
“It is also critical to empower young women to be able to protect themselves,” she says.
Driven by a desire to pay it forward, Ramukumba uses her experience to upskill younger nurses.
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“We give them first-hand professional experience at the mobile clinic.
“We also teach them to encourage their patients to take control of their health by getting tested often and informing themselves about preventative measures.
“The mobile clinic, which first opened its doors in 2010, has over 8 400 registered patients, has had over 32 000 consultations and continues to grow,” she says.
