Today, Siphesihle (32) is a Senior Occupational Health Nurse at the City of Johannesburg’s Health Department, working in Region B. With over six years of experience, he is dedicated to promoting wellness through medical and risk assessments, health screenings, awareness campaigns, and vaccination drives.

For Siphesihle, nursing is all about patient-centred care. Throughout his career, he has left a lasting impact—so much so that at least four babies have been named after him by grateful parents in the labour wards where he worked. Although his current role focuses on occupational health, he finds it deeply rewarding to continue serving communities in the City of Johannesburg.

Siphesihle’s professional journey began at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where he qualified as a nurse and later completed further studies in Occupational Health and Research Methodology. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Nursing Science. His career highlights include working as a Professional Nurse at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and as a Clinical Facilitator, Preceptor, and Pharmacology Assistant Lecturer at UJ.

Siphesihle’s dedication has been recognised through several awards, including the Albertina Sisulu Award, the Henrietta Stockdale Award, and the Akeso Psychiatric Award.

His message to fellow nurses: “Let us reclaim the dignity and honour of this profession. Nursing care rests in our hands, and it is our duty to rebuild the community’s trust. We are called to care for what the Lord has created—His image—making nursing not just a job, but a calling.”

As someone once said: “The moment you cease to empathise with your patients, resign as a nurse—for its foundation is care.”

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi