Nurses Day: Ramaphosa praises South Africa’s frontline workers
“Nurses are central to our achievement of a better life for all South Africans,” says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a statement of heartfelt gratitude to all frontline healthcare workers on International Nurses Day.
As South Africa continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has induced an extended lockdown period with devastating socioeconomic consequences, Ramaphosa has taken a moment to reflect on the tireless efforts of nurses.
International Nurses Day, which is observed annually on 12 May, coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale who is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. This year, Nurses Day is especially poignant as the world’s reliance on caregivers reaches a new era of importance.
The significance of Nurses Day in 2020
South Africa’s overwhelmed healthcare system, which faces a perilous peak of coronavirus infections within the next three months, has, thanks to the nationwide lockdown, been afforded an opportunity to prepare for the worst. The lockdown’s ability to flatten the infectious curve — and thereby delay the onslaught of cases – has given all healthcare workers, including nurses, the breathing room needed to better the medical response.
Frontline workers have not, however, been spared from infection. In dealing directly with the virus in hospitals and clinics, the rate of infection amongst nurses has been of great concern to the department of health. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize noted the sacrifices made by nurses amid the outbreak, saying:
“Let us remember those nurses who put their lives on the line every day to fight COVID-19 and the nurses who put our safety before their family’s. We appreciate you.”
Similarly, President Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to show their appreciation for nurses during this ongoing global health crisis. Although nurses form the backbone of South Africa’s medical response, Ramaphosa pointed out that their duties extended beyond physical healthcare, noting:
“Nurses are community-builders, mentors, counsellors and educators who provide psychosocial support, beyond the medical domain, to the communities in which they are based and are at the forefront of our fight against many social ills.”
‘Nurses more than just healthcare workers’
Within the context of COVID-19, Ramaphosa reiterated the important role that nurses play in combating the virus’ spread. The president, who has been under fierce public pressure to relieve stringent lockdown measures, said that nurses needed to be protected from both “viruses and violence”, adding:
“Nurses deserve our appreciation and gratitude and we must offer nurses the protection they need against a range of threats, from viruses to violence.
Currently, nurses are placing themselves between our communities and the unseen enemy we face in COVID-19. We are humbled by their bravery, their hard work and their commitment to putting the interests of all South Africans before their own and those of their own families.
Let us pause today to celebrate this invaluable and treasured cadre of our society and let us give them our full support and gratitude into the future.”