A spirit of pride and purpose filled the Carletonville Civic Centre on December 5, as Carletonville Hospital hosted its 2025 Staff Excellence Awards.

The event celebrated employees whose dedication, compassion, and resilience continue to strengthen the hospital’s service to the community.

Eleven categories were presented, with three exceptional staff members recognised in each. The finance department received top honours as the hospital’s most successful unit for consistently meeting monthly targets— an achievement that reflects strong leadership, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.

Lebone Malatsi (data capture) earned the prestigious title of Employee of the Year. She received a Spar voucher, a massage treatment, and an all-inclusive weekend getaway for two — rewards that reflect the appreciation for her outstanding performance and positive impact on the hospital.

One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came during the CEO’s Special Awards, dedicated to the remarkable team responsible for delivering water to various units during the recent water crisis. Each recipient received a certificate, a team trophy, and a voucher sponsored by the hospital’s key stakeholder, Empowerfin.

CEO Mr Josias Naidoo praised these unsung heroes with deep admiration, saying their resilience ensured uninterrupted essential services across the Merafong City Local Municipality. He emphasised that their efforts safeguarded patient care at a time when it mattered most.

Serving with passion and perseverance

Mr Naidoo reminded staff that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed:
“Those who continue to serve with passion and perseverance are the reason our doors remain open,” he affirmed.

He spoke with particular pride about the water-distribution team, acknowledging how they “picked up the baton and continued the race,” ensuring service delivery was never compromised. He added that not only Carletonville Hospital, but the entire Gauteng Department of Health should be proud of the team’s commitment to ensuring that patients, staff, and everyone within the facility had access to water despite the crisis. A solemn moment of silence was observed in memory of Ms Tsolofeleo Moila, who passed away earlier this week. Her contribution and presence within the hospital community were deeply valued, and her absence is felt by many.

Long-service employees were also celebrated with certificates of appreciation, marking years of dedication that have strengthened the hospital’s legacy of care.

The event drew stakeholders from both private and public sectors. Deputy Mayor of Merafong Municipality Mogomotsi Sello applauded the hospital’s collaborative approach, noting, “This event is testimony that unity is power. No organisation can achieve success in isolation.”

Senior provincial and district leaders echoed this sentiment. Dr Nicholas Mwangi, Acting Chief Director for West, reaffirmed the purpose of the awards — to acknowledge excellence and inspire continued service. The provincial deputy director for quality assurance and compliance highlighted the importance of “Dedicated and Ethical Public Servants” in driving quality care.

Adding vibrancy to the celebration, local artists Teejay Omar and Tshepo Godisang energised the room with electrifying performances.