​​Nelly Shongwe, Region A’s Regional Health Deputy Director, is synonymous with clinics and nursing services in the City and is a true jewel in the crown. Shongwe pioneered community nursing in Region A and fought for residents’ access to quality healthcare. In 1992, she became the first black nurse in Midrand Stadraad, the precursor of the City of Joburg Municipality, and provided services from a farmhouse. After a dedicated nursing career of four decades, of which 31 years were in the City, she is bowing out of service.

Shongwe was raised by her aunt in a rural village in the North West province. She developed an interest in nursing at a young age and always had a passion for caring for people.

“I am passionate about nursing as a profession. However, nursing is a calling, and you must love your patients and community for you to care for them like you do for your own family.”

After matriculating, Shongwe trained at Ga-Rankuwa Hospital, now called Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, from 1977 to 1980 and obtained a Diploma in General Nursing.

In 1981, she pursued a Diploma in Midwifery at Groethook Hospital in Limpopo.

She worked at a few clinics specialising in family planning and as an occupational nurse before joining the City because of her itch for community nursing.

This led to her studying for a Diploma in Community Nursing Science at the then Wits Technikon (now UJ) in the early 90s, which she passed with a distinction.

In January 1992, she was appointed to Midrand Stadraad. Her biggest task was to service the newly developing informal settlement of Ivory Park. At the time, there were only three clinics, and the staff was mainly white.

In her second week, Shongwe introduced herself to the community during a mass meeting. Her husband, Gilbert, and the community leader from Ivory Park accompanied her to Rikhotso sports ground, now JB Matabane School. She got on the back of a bakkie and received a warm welcome as she introduced herself.

Initially, Shongwe started services out of an old farmhouse, where the famous Busy Corner restaurant is, while other times residents got services from the boot of a car that came from Kempton Park Stadraad before a provincial mobile clinic came once a week.

Demand for health services was eminent in the Ivory Park area, and that gave rise to two clinics in September 1992, the Hikhensile and Bophelong clinics.

“In those days there were no telephones or cellphones.

​Our means of communication with the Regional Office was through a two-way radio and remember then that the medium of communication in Midrand Stadraad was Afrikaans, and those were the days before our democracy in 1994,” Shongwe reminisces.

She was promoted to senior community health nurse, chief community health nurse and later joined management as a manager of personal health.

The need for services in Ivory Park continued, and more clinics came along. In 1993, the Mpumelelo Clinic was established and in 1995, the Thuthukani Clinic. It was upgraded in 2008 to accommodate Comprehensive Care and Management of HIV/Aids services. Ebony Park and Kaalfontein were established in 2002.

She also served as Regional Health Deputy Director for Region G in 2008 before moving into her current role in 2013. During her time here, she saw clinics being built, upgraded, and assisted in rolling out ARV treatment services to patients in the area.

In her current role, the following projects were achieved under her leadership. Clinics were demolished, expanded, and rebuilt into state-of-the-art clinics and consultation rooms. One highlight was the launch of the Ebony Park 24-hour operational clinic that provides a maternity and obstetric unit, accident and emergency services and an ambulance bay.

Her journey has been shaped by mentors and colleagues who helped her grow and flourish and stakeholders, NGOs, and community members who supported and trusted her to lead.

Gilbert has been her pillar of strength throughout her career. They have two sons, Thulani and Miso.

As Shongwe retires from service, she will continue charity work. “As I say goodbye, I’ll continue to advocate for communities and lobby for resources to reach the poorest of the poor.”