GEORGE NEWS - All nine Southern Cape Management Area Centres of the Department of Correctional Services, in conjunction with eight Community Corrections Offices, joined forces to acknowledge and honour regional health care workers for all their effort, sacrifices and hard work during the global Covid-19 pandemic.
As 5 March 2021 marks a year since the first Covid-19 positive case was reported by Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, the day was commemorated last Friday in the presence of the department’s external stakeholders, including the Garden Route District Municipality, the police and the Department of Health.
The colourful day started with a car parade in York Street by department officials and stakeholders, escorted by the George Traffic and Fire Department, with a banner carrying a message of appreciation to all the health care workers.
The parade ended at the George Correctional Services sport field where the programme started with the lighting of candles to pay tribute to the four officials of the management area who passed away as a result of Covid-19.
A health care worker, Sister Dyani, received a certificate and a medal of appreciation from the Regional Head: Corporate Services, Dir. Mandean-Strydom and Area Commissioner of Southern Cape Management Area, Ndileka Booi.
Warm welcome
Commissioner of Southern Cape management area, Ndileka Booi, gave a warm welcome and elaborated on the impact of the pandemic on the department’s operations, the staff and the sad loss of the four officials.
Booi expressed the department’s appreciation for the commitment and dedication of its response team, the health care workers and the working partnership with the Garden Route Municipality and the Department of Health.
Chairperson of the Southern Cape Covid-19 response team, Eddie Myners, touched on the importance of the day and the success of the team during their handling of Covid-19 cases.
Emmy Douglas, Garden Route District Municipality’s representative, said the late Jan Tieties was one of the pioneers in establishing thorough communication between the Department of Correctional Services and the district municipality.
Regional Head of Corporate Services, Mrs Mandean-Strydom, shared the reassuring news that there are currently no active cases within the Southern Cape Management Area. In conclusion, Sister Tokwe referred to the inspirational story of the “Lady with the Lamp”, Florence Nightingale, and how she executed her duties as a nurse in very difficult and challenging circumstances - always putting the care of her patients first.
The day was concluded with a certificate and medal ceremony.
Some of the health care workers who attended the event.
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