Western Cape celebrates the 2024 Cecilia Makiwane and Nursing Excellence Awards

Honouring our Nursing Heroes: Western Cape celebrates the 2024 Cecilia Makiwane and Nursing Excellence Awards

On 25 October 2024, the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness proudly celebrated the dedication and resilience of our nurses through the 2024 Cecilia Makiwane and Nursing Excellence Awards. These prestigious awards honour those who embody the true spirit of nursing—going beyond duty, providing compassionate care, and uplifting their colleagues and communities. This year, we paid special tribute to our nominees and winners across seven categories who exemplify unwavering commitment, courage, and kindness.

Each nominee and winner represents the heart and soul of healthcare in the Western Cape. From emergency care nurses in bustling urban centres to dedicated healthcare providers in rural areas, these individuals work tirelessly to ensure that every patient feels seen, heard, and cared for. Their stories are ones of resilience: through long hours, immense challenges, and the emotional demands of caregiving, they are pillars of strength for patients and families alike.

Named after Cecilia Makiwane - the first Black registered professional nurse in South Africa and an early advocate for women’s rights - these awards recognise excellence across diverse fields, including general nursing, midwifery, specialised nursing, and nursing education. Today’s honourees carry forward Cecilia Makiwane’s legacy by setting a high standard of integrity, empathy, and collaboration within our healthcare system.

Nursing is more than a profession - it’s a calling. Our nurses do not simply treat ailments; they bring comfort, hope, and dignity to those in their most vulnerable moments. Their commitment extends beyond patient care to the broader mission of fostering healthier, more compassionate communities. The Western Cape Government Health and Wellness is dedicated to supporting and uplifting our nursing professionals, whose contributions are invaluable.

2024 Category Winners:

• General Nursing: Kershia Naidoo-Jacobs, George Regional Hospital
• Midwifery Nursing: Maxine Elizabeth Williams, Mowbray Maternity Hospital
• Speciality Nursing: Irene Ebele Okudoh, Groote Schuur Hospital
• Community Nursing/Primary Healthcare: Julia Johnson, Railton Clinic
• Nursing Education (Formal): Verinia Titus, Western Cape College of Nursing - Metro Campus
• Nursing Education and Training (Informal): Buyelwa Majikela-Dlangamandla, Groote Schuur Hospital
• Nursing Leadership and Management: Thobeka Nonhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Kwanokuthula CDC

Our winners shared heartfelt reflections on the meaning of this honour and their dedication to the calling:

Kershia Naidoo-Jacobs, winner in General Nursing, expressed, “For me, nursing is about bringing light to those in their darkest hours. Every patient deserves compassion, and I am so grateful to be part of a profession where I can be that source of hope and comfort.”

Maxine Williams, honoured in Midwifery Nursing, said, “Helping mothers bring new life into the world is a gift I treasure daily. To witness the strength of these women and offer them support during such a profound time is truly humbling.”

"Every day, nurses across our province leave their homes with the unwavering commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Their dedication and resilience, especially in challenging times, deserve our utmost gratitude. To each nurse, and to all healthcare workers—thank you for your relentless service and compassion. Your impact on the wellbeing of our communities is profound," said Dr Keith Cloete, Head of Western Cape Government Health and Wellness.

"These awards are about celebrating the nominees, the runners-up and the winners, but I would also like to use the opportunity to recognise the tireless work and commitment of all the 12 725 nurses who work in the Department of Health and Wellness.

We understand that without our nurses there is no Department of Health and Wellness, we value you, your hard work and commitment, and we recognise those who strive towards excellence," said Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister for Health and Wellness.

These exceptional nurses embody the values of selflessness, strength, and commitment essential to quality healthcare. Their work reminds us that behind every treatment and intervention is a caregiver devoted to making a difference.
 

Congratulations to each of our winners, runners-up, and all nominees. Your dedication is inspiring, and we are deeply grateful for your courage and compassion.