Bertha Gxowa Hospital honoured for excellence in children’s care
Nyembe added that their functionality rate is currently above 80%, a key factor contributing to the award.
The Bertha Gxowa Hospital has been named the winner in the centre for children with special needs category of citizen-focused innovations (using non-ICT solutions) at the 2025 National Batho Pele and Innovation Awards held in Kempton Park.
It was awarded for its dedicated cerebral palsy project.
This prestigious recognition highlights the hospital’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of children living with cerebral palsy through compassionate care, innovative treatment methods, and the tireless efforts of a multidisciplinary team that goes above and beyond for every child and family.
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Hospital leadership described the award as a powerful affirmation of the passion, dedication, and hard work demonstrated daily by staff.
“This massive achievement is a testament to the dedication of staff who continually strive to provide exceptional care and support to our children,” the hospital noted, celebrating the accolade as a shared victory for both its workforce and the community it serves.
Adding profound significance to the moment, the hospital also commemorated the birthday of the late struggle icon and humanitarian Mam Bertha Gxowa, the inspiring woman for whom the institution is proudly named.
Her legacy of service, courage, and compassion remains deeply embedded in the hospital’s values and mission.
As staff honoured her memory, they reflected on how her spirit continues to guide their work and motivates them to uphold the principles she championed throughout her life.
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Bertha Gxowa Hospital now stands firmly among the nation’s leaders in innovation and patient-centred care, a fitting tribute to the extraordinary woman whose name it carries.
Speaking to GCN, Thando Nyembe, acting clinical support and therapeutic services manager, said the award is a major source of motivation for the team, especially after navigating internal challenges such as staff shortages.
Alongside her was colleague Sabeeha Suban, a physiotherapist who welcomed the announcement with pride.
“The award highlights hours of hard work and dedication,” she said, emphasising the commitment that drives the cerebral palsy programme.
Nyembe noted that national recognition affirms the team’s approach and reinforces their ability to serve the community effectively.
“To be recognised nationally means we have the recipe to succeed and serve our people better. This is only possible because of the passion of our staff and the parents who keep their appointments and implement the guidance we share,” she added.
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She explained that the programme began in 2015 and later adopted a new name after the centre was designated a Centre of Excellence by the Department of Health’s Directorate of Oral Services.
Today, the centre offers a full suite of services, including parental counselling, child therapy, psychological support, and paediatric care.
“We have also started providing food to the children, thanks to sponsorship. And every March and October, we commemorate both National Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness Day and International CP Day, respectively,” she added.
Suban highlighted the impact of their group therapy sessions, describing them as an essential support system.
“The sessions involve parents sharing their lived experiences. It’s enlightening and helps them navigate daily challenges,” she said.
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Parents also give feedback on what they’ve implemented from previous sessions, allowing the team to assess progress and identify needs for further home-based interventions.
“Because our team includes social workers and nurses, we can easily adjust and schedule additional support, if need be,” Suban said.
Nyembe added that their functionality rate is currently above 80%, a key factor contributing to the award.
“In 2018, we won the 2018 Khanyisa service excellence awards – awarded to cerebral palsy rehabilitation group – for best community outreach programme.”
She emphasised that these achievement reflects not only the team’s dedication but also the strong support they receive from hospital management, relevant departments, and the district.
