College of Human Sciences

Prof Matlakala celebrates International Nurses Day at Kalafong Hospital

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In commemorating International Nurses Day, Prof Mokgadi Matlakala, Chair of the Department of Health Studies and Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre at Unisa, was invited to address the nurses at Kalafong hospital in Atteridgeville on 13 May 2022.

Every year on 12 May, the world marks International Nurses Day in recognition of the tireless and invaluable contribution of nurses to healthcare. This year’s theme was "A voice to lead – invest in nursing and respect the rights to secure global health".

Matlakala shared the stage with the CEO of the hospital, hospital board members, nurses and doctors. She thanked Kalafong Hospital management, particularly Matron Maria Katane and Kholiswa Kelembe, for inviting her.

Prof Mokgadi Matlakala with Matron Kholiswa Kelembe

"We celebrate this day to highlight the importance of nurses in the healthcare services and to honour our heroes," she said. "We acknowledge the contributions of the nurses and the courage to continue to advocate for improved health and healthcare amidst the challenges confronting them. Today, we have an opportunity to celebrate ourselves as nurses. I encourage you to acknowledge the good work you are doing."

Matlakala took a step back to acknowledge the pioneers of nursing in South Africa and across the globe, referencing the contributions by the likes of Professor Charlotte Searle who founded Unisa’s Department of Nursing Science. She also unpacked a statement issued by the president of the International Council of Nurses, Dr Pamela Cipriano.

Matlakala further indicated that the nursing profession needs people who will be vocal and visible in tackling the contemporary challenges facing the nursing profession. She urged nurses to take control of their status not only in the nursing profession, but also in the multidisciplinary professional teams, because nursing cannot function in isolation.

"Covid-19 taught us a new normal that is coupled with agility in everything we do, and most importantly, it brought along many changes," she continued. "The change starts with each of you as individuals. Therefore, we have great challenges and great opportunities ahead of us, and with teamwork we will make the best in our history."

In concluding her address, Matlakala requested nurses and other health workers to reflect on the current shifts in nursing, and appreciate the social contract that nurses have with the communities and their continuous mission to look after the interests of the healthcare consumers. She encouraged nurses to serve with pride.

* By Nnana Jege, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences, and Prof Mokgadi Matlakala, Chair of the Department of Health Studies

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Publish date: 2022-05-19 00:00:00.0

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