The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Nursing hosted a successful celebration of the International Nurses Day 2023 on Tuesday, 9 May 2023 at the DUT Open House building. The theme for this year was: ‘Our Nurses. Our future.’
The acting Head of Department (HOD) at the Department of Nursing, Professor Thembelihle Ngxongo welcomed the guests and everyone in attendance and further shared the purpose of the day. Prof Ngxongo reminded the nurses of the 2023 theme and the importance of the International Nurses Day.
“Nursing is not just a profession; we are not just workers. When I became a nurse, I was told that nursing is a calling and thus the whole country admits that its future is in the hands of nurses,” said Prof Ngxongo.
Following Prof Ngxongo on the programme was Reverend Dr George Pillay who thanked all nurses who have accepted the calling to be a source of care and compassion. He added that sometimes nurses need transcended energy to help them along their journey and they also need something more than their technical studies, suggesting that they need faith, family, and friends.
Mrs Shamla Pillay, a Nursing Service Manager from St Aidan’s Hospital, was amongst guest speakers who shared words of wisdom with the nurses. In her speech, Mrs Pillay highlighted that the future of nurses depends on every nurse and every voice to not only be on the forefront in the line of care, but also be in the line of change. Moreover, that as they adjust to living in the COVID-19 era and dealing with all that comes with the pandemic, the nursing workforce is exhausted. She urged the nurses to strive to stimulate the international exchange of ideas and sustainable healthcare delivery, digital health education, safety, quality care, retention, education, and training.
One of the guest speakers who motivated nurses, Mrs Grace Mufamadi, attained the audience’s attention when she shared her relatable speech with everyone in the room.
“I am proud to say that there are good nurses out there that respect human beings as God’s creation and go an extra mile for patients. Such nurses exist. The beautiful part of our profession is that we see into humanity, pre-conception and from birth to death. After negotiating for resources and the salaries, please continue to serve. Everywhere you go, you are a nurse. Once a nurse, always a nurse. May God bless you and every nurse out there, may he be gracious to you and may he give you peace. Go out there and be different and make an impact. Happy Nurses Day,” said Mrs Mufamadi.
The nursing Alumnus, who is currently employed as an Academic Development Practitioner at DUT, Dr Thembelenkosini Nxumalo gladly presented his piece to the room. Dr Nxumalo is one of the Department’s golden treasures because of his accolades that he gained through hard work and determination. In his speech, Dr Nxumalo highlighted the contribution made by nurses in taking care of the communities since the outbreak of COVID-19. He further touched on the issue of climate change and its effects on the lives and livelihoods of mankind, saying that it would threaten the nursing workforce.
The nurses closed off with a Nursing Pledge of Service.
Pictured: Dr Sokhela with the Post Graduate Diploma students.
Photograph by: Nikiwe Sukazi.
Nikiwe Sukazi
