The residents of Villa Liza have praised the work of a local nurse, Sofi Khumalo, who they say is dedicated and passionate.
Community volunteer caregiver Melanie January said she calls on Sofi whenever she has any drug-related matters as she attends to these with urgency.
“I wish we had more nurses like Sofi who love their jobs. She doesn’t wait for drug addicts to come to the clinic where she works, Sofi attends to the patients wherever they are.”
January said Sofi has also helped a lot of people who are mentally ill.
“I recently collaborated with her to help a young boy in my neighbourhood. The boy was using drugs and the drugs affected his mind. The boy has been mentally ill for five years. Sofi helped by sedating the boy and taking him to Thelle Mogoerane Hospital for treatment.
“I’m 61 years old now and this is the first time I have met such a caring person. There’s a proverb that says actions speak louder than words and indeed nurse Sofi’s actions are speaking louder than words and they are ones to be admired.”
Nurse Sofi is humbled by the praise and happy her hard work is recognised.
“I will help the people of Villa Liza for as long as I can. My upbringing shaped me into who I am today. My love for helping people developed before I started working as a professional nurse.
“I grew up without my mother and father and that experience gave me the desire to help other people. I strongly believe that challenges in life shape who we become. You cannot be a better version of yourself without overcoming your problems.
“My aim is to help people who are mentally ill and those that are suffering from drug addiction. I started working as a professional nurse in 2010, at the Life Care Centre and joined Villa Liza Clinic in 2016.
“My appointment with a mental health nurse was in 2018 and this is a field in which I believe I excel as I have worked with mentally ill people before,” said Sofi.
Also Read: Nurses showered with gifts
Also Read: Tambo Memorial Hospital recognises long-serving nurses
