According to the hospital’s communication officer, Mr Matabo Letsoalo, the hospital celebrated and honoured Sunnyboy David Mahlabaaz after 33 years of leading service at the hospital on 28 May.
Mahlabaaz was popularly known as Nsimbi (the isiZulu word for Iron), a nickname he earned because of his hard work. He started working in the hospital as a cleaner in 1988.
After a decade as a cleaner, he became a porter. It was during that period that his name became well-known throughout the hospital’s corridors, from the patient waiting areas to all the wards in the facility.
According to a long-time friend and colleague, Tshepiso Selemela, an administrative clerk in the hospital’s patient affairs department, “Nsimbi” still appears to be as strong and energetic as when he was young.
“Beyond the shortage of porters and the demanding nature of his work, I remember how he would still make sure the wheelchairs and stretchers were clean and available for patients.
“Not only that, he would still ask where he could help afterwards. He doesn’t seem to have changed at all,” chuckled Selemela.
During his farewell function, colleagues alluded to his hard- working, respectful and humorous character and many said they would miss his professionalism and de- votion to his job.
The soft-spoken Mahlabaaz thanked his colleagues for his 33 years at the hospital. He said he leaves public service with the confidence of knowing that he ran his race.
In his parting words, Nsimbi’s overall advice to healthcare workers was that “working in a hospital is beyond just another career, but a calling. No matter how big or small you may think your role is, it is still significant. Do it the best way you can!”
