In line with International Nurses Day, Tambo Memorial Hospital (TMH) hosted an event to celebrate nurses on May 23 and to remember those who died in the gas tanker explosion outside the hospital in December 2022.
Among the attendees of the event, organised by the health department and the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), were the special guest nurses from different hospitals across the province, MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Gauteng Health Department HOD Arnold Malotana, former director of Nursing Services and other guests.
The event began with the laying of flowers at the newly unveiled memorial wall for the 12 nurses who lost their lives during the explosion. Attendees proceeded to Villa Hall where Ndabula welcomed all guests.
He said nurses deserve to be celebrated because of the care they offer and their hard work and dedication. He also reminded nurses about their selflessness and the tears they shed for patients.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko commended DENOSA for standing as an advocate for nurses and their rights. She referred to the event as a “call to action” for all nurses to reaffirm their standards.
“The pain still lingers with us. However, I want to promise that they will never be forgotten as their deaths were not in vain,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She added that she finds it a fitting tribute to celebrate the fallen heroes.
HOD Arnold Malotana said, “We must pause, reflect and remind ourselves of the oath we took, to be our patients’ educators and advocates, blessed are those who will cherish and remember this.”
Dr Mafisa stated that OR Tambo must be proud because he fought for the freedom we now enjoy.
“Upon doing some research on Tambo reviews I found out that nine out of 16 people gave positive comments, and those that were negative included overcrowding which affects many places.”
She added that the famous ‘good Samaritan’ from the book of Luke was a man, so this justifies that males too can be great nurses.
The room was filled with joy and laughter as nurses came in their white regalia to celebrate.
One of the organising team members, TMH’s Luyanda Malahlela was overwhelmed with joy throughout the event. “We are happy and there is a lot of inspiration to source from this event.”
DENOSA’s Bongani Mazibuko said they pride themselves on being custodians for healthcare professionals.
He pointed out that DENOSA is affiliated with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and represents nurses’ interests in terms of policies and laws internationally and nationally.
“We aim to break all walls between the private and public sectors in heal and unite health staff.”
The nurses concluded the day with a pledge.
Also Read:TMH hosts an empowering open day
Also Read:WATCH: TMH and PinkDrive host cancer awareness campaign
