"The ugly are the ones on the basis of whom our communities and society judge the public healthcare service. I can assert, without fear of contradiction, that unions will support us in getting rid of these bad elements," said Dr Mandla Mhlongo speaking on behalf of the MEC at the function to recognise and thank the recipients of awards for their outstanding service.
The MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal wanted to recognise and convey messages of appreciation, on behalf of government, to the three recipients from Umgungundlovu. The trio received prestigious awards from the National Department of Health (the Cecilia Makiwane Recognition Award and the Marilyn Lehana Award) and the Office of the Premier (Indondo Community Development Award) in 2011.
Dr Mhlongo said; “The stories we hear these days are frightening! To hear of a nurse raping a patient is unheard off. I believe managers must not be scared to get rid of such people because they are in a wrong profession.”
Dr Mhlongo added that there are many more that are good like the ones who received awards today. But there are also those who are bad but can still be redeemable and managers must work to make those to become good representatives of their professions and the public service.
Present at the function was iNkosi Nsikayezwe Zondi who pleaded with nurses to be the shining light like Cecialia Makiwane, Albertina Sisulu and Merylin Lehana. iNkosi Zondi said; "Nursing is a calling and those who join the profession because they happen to meet the criteria must see from those in service that unless you have a calling you must try your luck somewhere else."
The function was also attended by the Principal of the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing Dr Lulama Nkonzo-Mthembu who asserted nurses as the back bone of healthcare delivery and the leadership of DENOSA, Mr Cassim Lekgoathi (Provincial Secretary) and Mr Simphiwe Mncwabe (Provincial Chairperson) who are sponsored the Merilyn Lehana Award.
Addressing Mr Lekgoathi challenged the department to host a forum where nurses could do introspection and address the 'ugly element that rears its head everywhere'. He added and said; "We are tied of burying nurses who die from communicable diseases like TB. Merylin Lehana died of a communicable disease and through this award we want to recognise those nurses who are doing their best to protect themselves and others from such diseases."
The recipients expressed joy for the recognition from the MEC and the Provincial government. Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Ms Zanele Mkhize (33) said; "These are awards we receive on behalf of the many nurses who continue to care beyond the call of duty and are not recognised. I also want to say to my colleagues it does not matter how junior you may be but you are making a difference and therefore must not expect awards but inner fulfillment."
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
For pictures contact Chris Maxon.
Contacts:
Mrs Zanele Mthiyane (43)
Cecilia Makiwane Recognition Award
Cell: 072 220 9797
Ms Zanele Mkhize (33)
Merilyn Lehana Award
Cell: 084 982 4542
Mr Mgcineni Lembethe (38)
Indondo Community development Award
Cell: 082 939 0369
