Extract From Speech at the Cecilia Makiwane Award Ceremony

At the Cecilia Makiwane award ceremony Minister Pierre Uys gave recognition to the thousands of nurses who remain committed to their pledge of service in hospitals and clinics throughout the province.

"This is a pledge of service to mankind, honouring the noble tradition of the profession by always regarding patients' health as top priority," he said. Cecilia Makiwane was a South African nurse who did groundbreaking work some 100 years ago. This award for excellence is in honour of her selfless service.

The award is an annual event and the winner takes part in a national competition. Minister Uys said that 13 nurses in the Western Cape had been nominated for the award according to criteria such as a positive attitude towards colleagues and patients, effective management of her work environment, a contribution to the community, a contribution to effective teamwork, leadership qualities and problem-solving skills in the work environment.

He commended the finalists as role models for their colleagues and expressed the hope that they would serve as inspiration to everyone with whom they cross ways - colleagues and patients.

"Our nurses are sought after worldwide. That is why I am doing everything in my power to create the circumstances to keep them in South Africa and the Western Cape," Uys said.

Minister Uys handed over the award to Ms Pauline Collins of Mitchells Plain Day Hospital. She will represent the Western Cape in the national competition.

Ms Collins is not only passionate about her job, but she also plays a leading role in community activities. She made a positive contribution to drastically increase the number of pap smears done to detect cervical cancer in women.

She also played an important part in limiting unwanted pregnancies in teenagers by using her own initiative to run awareness campaigns in schools.

In conjunction with these campaigns, she also started a support group to assist traumatised medical staff who have to perform abortions. Ms Collins is also involved in community projects such as the Police Forum and support groups for rape survivors, abused women, people with a drug addiction, and people with HIV and Aids.

Furthermore she was actively involved in having Mitchells Plain Community Centre declared a smoke-free area.

Ministry Media Contact:
Herman v.d. Westhuizen 082 772 9161