18 May 2025

Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa says nursing is not only a calling of compassion but also a vital component of social and economic development. 

Officiating at the commemoration of International Nurses Day in Selebi-Phikwe on Thursday, Mr Mohwasa said investing in the nursing profession yielded significant benefits that contribute to the nation’s overall progress.  He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving the working conditions for nurses across the country, noting that the government was aware of the security threats that many nurses faced while performing their duties. 

Mr Mohwasa highlighted that numerous nurses worked under constant threat to their safety and well-being. He stated that reports of nurses being attacked, and in some cases, sexually assaulted while on duty, are unacceptable, underscoring the urgent need to enhance security in health facilities nationwide. 

“To ensure that no nurse lives in fear while performing their sacred duty of healing, we must create a safe environment for all health workers with adequate security measures, proper lighting, and swift protection from law enforcement,” he stated. 

He said nurses were the face of the healthcare system, offering first medical response in the country’s health facilities. He observed that nurses’ daily acts bound the society together as such they should also feel safe around those that they serve. Mr Mohwasa acknowledged the stagnation of nurses on positions, which had negatively impacted morale and their eagerness to deliver effective service. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues promptly by engaging all relevant stakeholders to share concrete solutions.

The Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Mr Rejoice Sankoloba, emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for nurses. He said the theme: Our Nurses, Our Future: The Economic Power of Care, underscored the urgency of improving security measures in health facilities. 

Mr Sankoloba urged nurses to embrace the essence of patient care by upholding the values of botho, love, and compassion, asserting that the spirit of service should be rooted in human dignity and empathy to cultivate a more caring and responsive healthcare environment. ENDS