Western Cape celebrates outstanding nurses at the 2026 Nursing Excellence and Cecilia Makiwane Awards
Behind every moment of care is a nurse who makes a difference. From welcoming a newborn into the world to supporting a patient through recovery, nurses play an extraordinary role in the lives of the people they serve.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness celebrated this commitment at the 2026 Nursing Excellence and Cecilia Makiwane Awards, recognising nurses who make a meaningful difference to lives across the province.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger said, “Named in honour of Cecilia Makiwane, South Africa's first registered Black professional nurse, these awards recognise her remarkable legacy of service, leadership and advocacy. Our reward recipients carry that legacy forward through the care they provide. I want to congratulate each of our winners and thank every nurse across the Western Cape for the difference they make every day to the lives of the people they care for.”
Nurses are central to the Department’s commitment to helping residents Start Well, Live Well, Age Well, providing care at every stage of life. From maternal and child health to disease prevention, chronic care and healthy aging. Through their leadership, teamwork and innovation they help our healthcare system Run Well ensuring patients receive safe, quality care.
This year's recipients represent the many dimensions of nursing, from frontline patient care and community outreach to education, specialised services and leadership.
General Nursing: Dawn Matthews, Groote Schuur Hospital
For Dawn Matthews, nursing is about making every patient feel valued and cared for. Her recognition celebrates years of dedicated service and a commitment to going beyond what is expected to make a difference in patients' experiences of care.
“This nomination is a humbling blessing. Guided by my faith and commitment to serving others, I find joy in exceeding patients' expectations and making a difference in their lives.
Midwifery Nursing: Nokwanda Michael, Groote Schuur Hospital
The earliest moments of life are among the most important and midwife Nokwanda Michael provides the care, reassurance and expertise that families need during pregnancy and childbirth.
“To be recognised with this award is both a great honour and a humbling experience. It reflects the countless moments spent caring for patients, supporting families, and serving the community with dedication and purpose. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and so proud.”
Speciality Nursing: Cassiem Patel, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital
Specialised nursing care combines advanced clinical knowledge with an understanding of the emotional needs of patients and their families. Cassiem Patel's recognition highlights the importance of skilled, compassionate care in supporting children through illness and recovery.
"Nursing is a calling and a commitment to serve. It is an honour to form part of the Red Cross’ nursing team”.
Community Nursing / Primary Healthcare: Maylene Gail Reid, Villiersdorp Clinic
For Maylene Gail Reid, serving farming communities means bringing essential healthcare closer to where people live and work.
"In farming communities, nurses bring care, compassion, and health closer to the people who work hard to nourish us. Caring for people where they are is something that inspires my nursing journey and keeps me going. As nurses, let’s continue serving our communities with love."
Nursing Education (Informal): Nokuthembeka Tobo, Groote Schuur Hospital
After a life-changing accident left her with a disability, Nokuthembeka Tobo found renewed purpose in teaching and mentoring fellow nurses.
"I was in tears when I learned about this nomination. After an accident left me with a disability, I feared my nursing journey had come to an end. Instead, Groote Schuur Hospital accommodated me and gave me a new purpose through teaching and mentoring others.
This reminds me that disability does not define us, and that a love for nursing can overcome even the greatest challenges."
Nursing Education (Formal): Allison Aletta Langeveld, Western Cape College of Nursing (Metro Campus)
Through nursing education, Allison Aletta Langeveld contributes to strengthening the next generation of healthcare professionals and building a healthcare system that Runs Well.
"My nursing journey has been a deeply rewarding path filled with purpose, compassion, and growth. Every moment has been meaningful. To my fellow nurses, embrace every opportunity to learn, and keep going even on the difficult days. Your dedication matters and your kindness makes a difference."
Nursing Leadership and Management: Mitzi Franken, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital
Mitzi Franken has created an environment where nurses can perform at their best and compassionate care remains central to service delivery.
“We are passionate about delivering safe nursing care to every patient that walks into our facility. It’s a privilege to be a nurse as we can give care to every patient, every day”.
A commitment that reaches beyond the awards
Head of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Dr Keith Cloete, said: “Nurses are central to our commitment to building a healthcare system that puts people first. These awards recognise professional excellence, compassionate leadership and dedication that gives our teams the chance to support the people we serve wherever they are in their journey.”
Across the Western Cape, nurses continue to make these moments possible, supporting people at every stage of life while helping to build a more responsive, compassionate and person-centred healthcare system.