Bertha Gxowa Hospital’s Gugulethu Jacobs named Employee of the Year
Starting as a food service aid in 2014, Jacobs worked her way up through dedication and passion, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her surprise win in the CEO’s special category highlights her inspiring journey in public healthcare.
Gugulethu Jacobs from the health information management department at Bertha Gxowa Hospital was overwhelmed with emotion as she received the Flourish Award: Employee of the Year.
She was shocked to win the CEO’s special awards category, having expected to be recognised in a different category.
Jacobs started at the hospital in 2014 as a food service aid and worked her way up, eventually finding her passion in data management during the Covid-19 pandemic. She credits her diligence and love for her work as key to her success.
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Reflecting on the win, she said she was shocked when her name was announced.
“I was in shock for days, lost for words, and filled with gratitude. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity and recognition,” Jacobs said.
“I was totally expecting another category. This selection was made by the CEO, Lebohang Khumalo, and her team.
“When I started at the hospital in 2014, I was a food service aid and later moved to being an administration clerk until 2019. I also worked as a ward clerk.
“When there was a backlog in health information management, I was called in to assist. During the Covid-19 years, we persevered and pushed through the piles of paperwork that needed attention. Through that phase, I fell in love with data.
“Winning this award puts more pressure and motivation on me to continue doing my work. I work with auditors and provincial officials, and diligence is required; I’m loving my work.
“I work closely with the managers, not so much the CEO, but she knows everyone in the hospital,” said Jacobs.
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Jacobs is pursuing a qualification in public administration and believes that hospital employees have a duty to serve the community to the best of their abilities.
This isn’t her first award, having previously been recognised as best dressed on Heritage Day last year and best health information management officer in 2023.
