Pretoria – Kelebogile Constance Kanatu from Joe Morolong Hospital in Vryburg, in the North West, has been named the “Most Caring Nurse for 2024”.
Nurse Kanatu, who specialises in Ophthalmology, was honoured at the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) Gala Dinner held at Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria, Thursday night, (19 December 2024).
She was awarded the Marilyn Lahana Caring National Award, named after Marilyn Lahana, a Johannesburg nurse, who died after contracting the Ebola virus after selflessly caring for the patient.
DENOSA administers the Marilyn Lahana Caring Award.
The annual award is given to a deserving nurse voted for by fellow nurses for outstanding commitment and selfless dedication to patient care.
The Marilyn Lahana Caring National Award winner, Kanatu, took home a trophy, certificate, and R15 000 prize money.
As an Ophthalmic Nurse, Kanatu has made her mark by assisting patients with eye problems.
If there are patients she can not help Kanatu says she refers them to other facilities.
Nurse Majikela Dlangamandla from the Western Cape, was named in second place. She took home a trophy, a certificate, and R7 500 prize money.
Nurse Mampe Konyama from Free State was third. She took home a trophy, a certificate, and R5 000 in prize money.
DENOSA congratulated the award winners.
The nursing union said it was ”proud of all the winners”, adding: “Their hard work is promoting the nursing profession in the eyes of the public.”
