A memorial service to honour a healthcare worker who died in the line of duty during the pandemic, was recently held in this village.
Sr Gladys Chuma of Madras Clinic in the Bushbuckridge area, was remembered during a candle-lighting ceremony.
Dr Prudence Buthelezi, secretary general and founder of the National Health Care Professionals Association (NHCPA) said, “In Mpumalanga, when we realised that those who were on the front lines who died due to the Covid-19 pandemic were not being honoured we decided to launch this initiative. We visit the families of the fallen heroes who died due to the virus. The founder of the Health Care Workers Heroes Memorial is Dr Maggie Mojapelo-Mokotedi and our Mpumalanga ambassador is Dr Zilungile Mjoli. “
The aim of these services is to recognise and remember the hard work of the workers who were on the front lines of this ongoing crisis, such as cleaners, doctors and nurses.
The candles that we give to the families symbolise a light in the darkness. We also give them a certificate of appreciation,” Buthelezi explained. During the memorial service, Chuma’s sister, Sindile Ndubane, said the family has suffered a great loss.
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“When we had challenges, she would be there and she would help us resolve the issues. When we walked into her yard, we knew that when we would leave with a solution. She was full of life and she loved people,” Ndubane said.
Buthelezi urged her colleagues not to be angry when they see others die due to Covid-19.
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“To our colleagues, let us always be professional, ethical and protect ourselves by wearing our full PPE. Whenever we feel burned out, let’s consult and put our lives and health first. To the National Department of Health and the provincial department, we ask for proper, good quality and effective PPE for all healthcare professionals, including cleaners, porters and receptionist in public hospitals and clinics,” said Buthelezi.
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