Witrand Specialised Hospital paid tribute to its nursing staff during a vibrant Nurses Day celebration held at the Witrand Recreation Hall on May 29, recognising the vital role nurses play in patient care, healthcare delivery and community wellbeing.

Although International Nurses Day is commemorated annually on May 12, Witrand hosted its celebration later in the month to honour and appreciate its dedicated nursing workforce.

The event brought together professional nurses, nursing assistants and auxiliary nurses for a programme focused on appreciation, motivation, professional development and staff wellbeing.

Addressing attendees, Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr I.Z. Wana praised the commitment and resilience shown by nurses in challenging circumstances.

“Our nurses have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment to improving patient outcomes, often under difficult conditions,” said Dr Wana. “Today is about saying thank you and reinforcing that their work matters.”

Hospital Nursing Manager and Matron, Mpho E.M. Gorekwang, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the nursing team for their dedication to patient care.

“Thank you for your selfless service and for always putting Witrand patients first,” she said.

“We celebrate your commitment to serving vulnerable patients, supporting families and improving healthcare quality. To every tired or discouraged nurse, you make a difference every day. Your compassion brings healing, your presence brings hope, and your dedication saves lives.”

Gorekwang added that the celebration was about recognising the character and commitment of nurses beyond their daily responsibilities.

“Today we celebrate not only what nurses do, but who nurses are, compassionate professionals serving with courage and dignity,” she said.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Emmarentia du Plessis, who encouraged nurses to maintain high professional standards and take pride in their skills and abilities.

She also shared updates on debriefing sessions and the Presence outreach initiative, which focuses on expanding nursing exposure, professional development and talent cultivation while contributing positively to community development.

A message of support was delivered by Sr Green-Fielies, who highlighted the evolving role of nurses within the healthcare system.

“Nurses Day celebrates more than a profession, it celebrates humanity, sacrifice, leadership and hope,” she said.

She paid tribute to nurses who continue to serve despite personal sacrifices.

“We honour nurses who work long shifts, miss valuable time with their families, care for patients through fatigue and carry the emotional burden of those they serve, all while maintaining professionalism and integrity.”

Green-Fielies noted that modern healthcare requires nurses to possess a broad range of competencies.

“Current trends demand clinical skill, technological adaptability, emotional intelligence and evidence-based care,” she said.

She added that nurses now play an increasingly influential role in shaping healthcare systems.

“Nurses are driving quality improvement, policy development, research and healthcare management. This is why it is important for every nurse to continue developing themselves professionally.”

Addressing challenges facing the profession, she acknowledged the pressures caused by burnout and staffing shortages.

“Despite burnout and staffing pressures, nurses continue to show remarkable resilience and dedication,” she said.

“It is clear, and we recognise, that nurses’ efforts matter. They are the backbone of our health system and we will do everything possible to ensure that their work environment is a positive one.”

The celebration also focused on mental health and employee wellness. Psychologist Thuto Lehihi encouraged nurses to prioritise self-care and make use of available support systems.

Lehihi emphasised the importance of accessing opportunities provided by the employer, including employee assistance programmes, debriefing sessions and team-building initiatives to support sustainable service delivery and overall wellbeing.

The programme concluded with the Nurses’ Pledge of Service, led by Matron Gorekwang, during which nurses reaffirmed their commitment to patient-centred care, dignity, confidentiality and respect for human life.

The event served as both a celebration and a reminder of the critical contribution nurses make every day in caring for patients, strengthening communities and sustaining the healthcare system.