In this edition, we honour the superheroes in scrubs who have been nursing our City back to health. Their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts deserve a round of applause. Join us in celebrating nurses from across the City by reading their inspiring stories. Let’s show our appreciation and gratitude for these everyday heroes who make a difference in our lives.
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Yvonne Ramaphoko (Region A) works at Mpumelelo Clinic and specialises in paediatrics, seeing 75 patients a day on average. “I have the best of both worlds in my profession because I love interacting and teaching people,” she says. Yvonne doesn’t back down easily when faced with a challenge. “I don’t back down from a tough assignment. I try again if I fail. Nursing is tough, but it also affords my colleagues and I the opportunity to engage, educate and provide emotional support to the community,” she says. |
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| Philisile Mthethwa (Region B) is a professional nurse at Sophiatown Clinic. She began working for the City in 2018, ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the newborn. “I am a firm believer in providing quality, patient-centred care, and I never forget the reason why I am on duty,” she says.
Philisile says when patients say “Thank You” it motivates her to persevere even in the most trying circumstances and inspires her to work even harder. By merely caring, she says, “I make an impact in people’s lives in more ways than one and beyond one’s imagination”. |
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| Neo Manya (Region C) has been practising as a professional nurse for 10 years and continues to serve her community with utmost dedication. She has always wanted to help those in need by following her mother’s footsteps. Neo’s mother is also a nurse.
“Knowing that you’re helping someone who is at their lowest mentally, physically, and emotionally due to illness and I’m able to change that person’s wellbeing is fulfilling.” She says nursing is one of the most crucial cornerstones of the healthcare system. “Nurses are selfless beings who greatly benefit our society.” |
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| Jabu Nkosi (Region D) grew up in Protea North, Soweto, where she was surrounded by civil servants, the most of whom were nurses.
“My best friend’s mom was a nurse and we used to job shadow her during school holidays. When she entered a room, a patients’ face would light up and I thought I wanted this for myself,” says Jabu, a midwife who graduated in 2017 and began working at Lenasia South SHC. “I enjoy talking to patients and love working in community health. Ours is a noble profession,” says Jabu, who is completing a master’s degree in Nursing with UJ. |
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| Samukelisiwe Shezi (Region E) works at the Thoko Mngoma Clinic in Marlboro and began her professional nursing career in 2015.
She says this most gratifying profession came along as a result of a career detour, and she has never looked back. Nurses are essential to the healthcare system; she says adding that her favourite aspect of the job is getting to talk to patients. “I don’t think hospitals and clinics would function without nurses. I love that the profession is evolving and that there’s a lot of young people and it’s not just a profession for women.” |
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| Refilwe Annah Chuene (Region E) is an operational manager in Region E and has 17 years of experience in the field. “Nursing is a calling. Despite all the difficulties we encounter while on duty, especially at facilities, I love making a difference in the community and serving people with integrity, passion, and a smile.”
Refilwe says being a nurse necessitates compassion for humanity. “We recognise the dedication of nurses who go above and beyond to ensure service delivery on a daily basis without being pushed. Operational managers must continue to motivate, encourage, and mentor their staff by celebrating Nurses Day annually.” |
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| Siphesihle Nollen Mdaka (Region F) is a senior occupational health nurse at the Metro Centre. Offering holistic treatment to people with various health needs is what he likes most about his job, which he has been in for 11 years.
“The moment I set foot on hospital grounds, I was captivated by the noble and selfless nature of nursing. Witnessing first-hand the positive impact that nurses have on the lives of their patients was nothing short of inspiring. I quickly realised that I wanted to stay in this field and make a difference in the lives of those in need and those around me,” Siphesihle says. “Regardless of the public’s perception of us, let us elevate the nursing profession and give it the respect it deserves.” |
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| Lindiwe Madi (Region G) encountered medical terms she didn’t understand when she first began working for the South African Blood Service. “I needed training if I was going to provide better care, so I took up nursing for that reason,” she explains.
She qualified in 2011 and is now based at Lawley 2 Clinic in Region G. “My profession allows me to care for the helpless,” she says. In a typical day, Lindiwe sees over 45 patients and attends to sick infants, administering immunisations. Our team nurses’ sick new-borns to good health, nothing beats that; that’s why I enjoy what I do.” |
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12/05/2023