KNYSNA NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness honoured its nurses last week at the 2025 Cecilia Makiwane and Nursing Excellence Awards.
Named after South Africa's first registered black professional nurse and women's rights pioneer, the awards celebrated compassion, integrity, resilience and dedicated service.
This year, nurses across the province were recognised for delivering quality care with courage and humanity, bringing comfort, hope, and dignity to patients and communities.
In General Nursing, Peggy Marthinus of Knysna Hospital received the award for her professionalism and kindness. "Always treat the patient as a whole, not just a hole in the patient. Let nursing be your calling, and always give your best," she said.
Reflecting on the province's nursing community, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger praised the more than 12 000 nurses who serve across the Western Cape, describing them as "the heartbeat of our healthcare system".
"These awards honour not only the winners, but every one of the nurses who serve with dignity, compassion, and courage. They are the reason we continue to deliver healthcare that upholds humanity and excellence. We thank each one for their unwavering commitment and care."
Head of Department Dr Keith Cloete echoed her sentiments, highlighting the sense of purpose that defines the nursing profession.
"At the heart of excellence lies the heart of care. Nursing is about caring for others, often quietly, in those unseen moments between nurse and patient where the true essence of compassion lives.
When patients receive care, they receive more than treatment; they receive warmth, dignity and humanity restored. That is nursing excellence."
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
