Staff at Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) were honoured during a heartfelt belated celebration of International Nurses Day on June 4.
International Nurses Day is officially commemorated on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
The delayed celebration didn’t dampen the spirit of appreciation as the nursing staff and care workers were all recognised for their dedication and compassion.
Each staff member received a thoughtful gift bag as a token of gratitude. The generous donations from Netcare, which provided T-shirts, and Avbob, which contributed pens and sweet treats, were warmly received.
Thembalami’s management also contributed small gifts to round off the surprise, while tea and cake made for a celebratory close.
The programme included the lighting of a symbolic candle, representing Florence Nightingale, the iconic ‘Lady with the Lamp’, who brought comfort and care to injured soldiers by lamplight during the Crimean War.
“The candlelight ceremony paid tribute to her enduring legacy and to the spirit of care that continues to burn brightly in today’s healthcare professionals.
“In a gesture of inclusion, both nurses registered with the South African Nursing Council and care workers at Thembalami and MODA were honoured. Two pledges were read aloud – one for care workers, and another for professional nursing staff – reaffirming the values that define their profession: honesty, integrity, ethics, loyalty, compassion and trust,” says Thembalami’s manager, Esme van der Walt.
“As the flickering flames were passed from one to another, staff were reminded of the passion and purpose that brought them to this calling.
“My prayer today is that by saying the pledge and lighting the candles, we will once again ignite the passion and commitment in our hearts to remember why we chose this profession,” she adds.
The event served not only as a celebration, but also as a recommitment to care and a poignant reminder of the difference each staff member makes in the lives of others.
Nurses and care workers were celebrated at Thembalami Care Centre in commemoration of International Nurses Day.
Sthembisile Ntshingila, Fikile Mbatha and Judith Mphela celebrating International Nurses Day.
Sarah Moya, Alice Thibakhoana and Judith Mphela having fun on International Nurses Day.
Patricia Okpe and Paulina Namo during the International Nurses Day celebration.
The gift bags that were given to nurses and care workers.
