Ramaphosa pays tribute to nurses for COVID-19 role

He addressed the 9th National Congress of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) on Tuesday.

Ramaphosa first declared a national lockdown on 23 March 2020 as COVID-19 spread rapidly across the world.

 Businesses and schools were shut down, and South Africans were ordered to stay home in an effort to contain the virus.  

 He paid tribute to nurses and healthcare workers for their critical role during the pandemic.  

This was the first time he addressed DENOSA since the outbreak, where he expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by frontline workers.  

"It was just five years ago that we faced the worst global health emergency in modern times. The pandemic changed our world almost overnight.  

“We became used to lockdowns, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Many lives were lost to the virus, shattering families and communities.  

“We lost a number of nurses and healthcare workers, brave men and women who were at the frontline of the pandemic.  

“Despite the risks to their health, healthcare workers continued to provide treatment, care, and support to our people.  

“I ask you to join me in observing a moment of silence in their honour,” said Ramaphosa.  

He saluted those who lost their lives, saying they embodied the finest values of the nursing profession: compassion, professionalism, and courage.  

"It is in great measure thanks to their efforts that our country was able to recover from COVID-19 and begin the task of rebuilding.  

“For you who are in the profession, nursing is a calling. It requires a strength of character and commitment to service that is rare.  

“Even under difficult conditions, it is your responsibility to administer quality care, reassure sick patients, and deal with anxious families,” he said.  

Ramaphosa also highlighted the progress made in elevating the status of the nursing profession in democratic South Africa.  

He reflected on the struggles faced by black nurses under apartheid when opportunities were limited, working conditions were harsh, and they earned less than their white counterparts.  

"During apartheid, nursing was one of the few occupations open to black professionals. alongside teaching, the police, and a handful of other professions.  

“The training and opportunities available to black nurses mirrored the inequalities of the skewed education system. The training and development of white nurses took priority.  

“Black nurses were expected to only care for black patients in black-only hospitals.  

“The hospitals and clinics assigned to serve the country’s majority were under-resourced and chronically under-funded.  

“Black nurses had unfavourable working conditions, were paid less than their white counterparts, and had fewer opportunities for advancement.  

“It was under these conditions that black nurses organised and fought for their rights, engaging in civil action and strikes dating back to the late 1940s.  

“Since 1994, we have taken active steps to ensure that the nursing profession takes pride of place in our health system,” he added.  

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said DENOSA's support will be pivotal as the country prepares to implement the National Health Insurance (NHI).  

He believes the NHI will bring South Africa closer to becoming a society that upholds human dignity at all times.  

"The right to dignity matters most when people are sick and need help and when they are most vulnerable. Our nurses will be the backbone of the NHI.”

He urged the union to lead discussions about skilling and training, strengthening the healthcare system, and other crucial matters.  

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