13 February 2025

FOR ATTENTION     :   NEWS EDITOR

SUBJECT :                  SA NURSING COUNCIL STRONGLY CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AGAINST NURSES
DATE :                           13 FEBRUARY 2025

The South African Nursing Council (SANC) is dismayed and outraged about the continuing spate of violence against nurses in the country. The recent (January 2025) violent attack on two nurses from Ga-Chuene Clinic once again highlighted the demise of the moral fibre of our country. These two nurses were forcefully taken from their place of work by the perpetrator, after overpowering Security guards.

SANC Chairperson Dr MC Molepo says:  “It is appalling that nurses are threatened and improperly assaulted whilst performing professional duties, by serving their communities. The protection of nurses should be at the forefront of health managers in our country where the shortage of nurses is a major concern. What the perpetrators in this country do not seem to understand is that nursing is not only a critical skill, but a scarce critical skill, and that often these nurses in villages are the communities’ only answer to healthcare. This was another eye-opener about the crime levels in this country that is out of hand and seemingly ignored at the cost of those who least deserve it. As the SANC we are saying:  Hands off of our nurses!

The Chief Nursing Officer, Dr Jabu Makhanya and I travelled to Ga-Chuene in support of these nurses, and a month after this incident the pure evil and horror of this attack still lingers in ones mind. These nurses are in our prayers and the SANC and National Department of Health are supporting them where possible.”

The SANC applauds the efforts of the police to learn that the perpetrator in the Ga-Chuene case has been apprehended and call for the full force of the law.

The SANC also continues to acknowledge the dedication of nurses who continues to serve the South African population with diligence ensuring access to health care.

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Issued by:

Mrs. Adri van Eeden
Senior Manager: Communication and Marketing
E-mail: avaneeden@sanc.co.za
Website: www.sanc.co.za
Tel: 012 426 9492

Official Spokesperson and person to be quoted:
Dr C Molepo SANC Chairperson OR
Prof. NG Mtshali Registrar and Chief Executive Officer

For more information or to arrange for an interview with the Spokesperson, please contact Mrs. A van Eeden on Tel. (012) 426 9542 or email: avaneeden@sanc.co.za or Ms Party-Day Moloi, on Tel. (012) 420-1017 or email: pmoloi@sanc.co.za

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