Johannesburg – The Public Servants Association (PSA) says it honours nurses – the extraordinary people who dedicate their lives to caring for others, often placing patients’ needs above their own.
Commenting on International Nurses’ Day, Tuesday 12 May 2026, the PSA said: “Nursing is more than a profession – it is a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and quiet strength.
“Across generations, nurses have carried this calling with dignity.”
This year, International Nurses’ Day is being commemorated under the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives”.
In that regard, PSA stated that the older generation of nurses, in particular, represents a living legacy of service as pillars of guidance and inspiration.
“Their mentorship, wisdom, and example are shaping new generations of nurses who are determined to carry this noble profession forward,” the union said.
“Their influence extends beyond clinical care.
“They instil courage in young nurses facing overwhelming workloads, offer reassurance in moments of uncertainty, and remind them why they chose this path: to heal, to comfort, and to save lives.”
However, the PSA lamented that behind this dedication was a harsh reality; many nurses in the public sector continue to work under immense pressure, in environments marked by critical staff shortages, limited resources, and a lack of essential medical equipment.
“Too often, they are expected to do more with less, stretching themselves beyond reasonable limits,” the PSA said
“At the same time, unsafe working conditions, including exposure to violence and insufficient security, leave many feeling vulnerable in the spaces where they are meant to provide care.
“These challenges take a toll by affecting the quality of healthcare as well as the well-being, morale, and future of the nursing profession.”
The union said for younger nurses, the weight of these realities can be discouraging, making the support and guidance of experienced colleagues even more vital.
The PSA said it remains unwavering in the Union’s commitment to nurses.
Through sustained labour engagement, the union said it continues to advocate for safer working environments, adequate staffing, and resources necessary for nurses to perform their duties with dignity and excellence.
The PSA stated that it has extended the Union’s support beyond the workplace through corporate social investment initiatives, aiding with essential resources to healthcare facilities and contributing to community-based programmes.
“These efforts are driven by a recognition that supporting nurses means strengthening the entire healthcare system.
“On Nurses’ Day, the PSA calls on all stakeholders to recognise the humanity behind the uniform, to see the role nurses play and their daily sacrifices,” the PSA said.
“Nurses’ compassion and resilience do not go unnoticed.
“As the heart of the healthcare system, their legacy continues to inspire hope for the future.”
