View all
DENOSA pays tribute to its former General Secretary
Organisation also pays tribute to its former NOBs
DENOSA hosted a send-off gala dinner for its recently retired General Secretary, Thembeka Gwagwa, at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on the night of the 22nd January where dignitaries and DENOSA leaders, shop stewards and staff members embraced the occasion with their presence.
The gala dinner was also hosted to acknowledge the work done by the previous National Office Bearers (NOBs) of DENOSA who served in the previous four years. It was also held to bid farewell to former Deputy General Secretary, David Makhombe, who also retired on the same day as Gwagwa.
DENOSA, its stakeholders and provincial offices handed gifts to the former GS and DGS respectively, as well as to former NOBs namely, former President, Dorothy Matebeni, former 1st Deputy President, Professor Olga Makhubela-Nkondo, and former National Treasurer, John Tladi.
Former DENOSA NOBs, Dorothy Matebeni, David Makhombe, Thembeka Gwagwa, Prof Olga Makhubela-Nkondo, and John Tladi, receive gifts from current Deputy President, Thandeka Msibi (second from left).
All speakers praised “GS” as she was affectionately known within the union circles. One of the guest speakers who spoke on behalf of COSATU, General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, song praised for Thembeka whom he said was one of the highly respected leaders in COSATU. Every one called her ‘sis Thembeka’ not because of her age, Vavi said, but because of how she has conducted herself throughout the different times and periods in COSATU.
“She is retiring during a time when our federation is going through some difficult times – a federation which she has worked so hard to build…” said Vavi. “But we know that sis Thembeka is not dead. She is just a call away. When we call or drive to her wherever she is, her family must understand.
Vavi said he, personally, will forever be indebted to her because of the support she gave his wife in particular during the most turbulent period of his life, and for her know honesty straight face in telling him when he has messed up.
Former President, Ephraim Mafalo, said Thembeka was always a forthright and a strategic thinker with a sharp eye for spotting bright spark and a persuasive power.
Other guest speakers included Government Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Dr Nonhlanhla Makhanya, who spoke on behalf of Health Minister who could not attend as he was overseas. Reading from the speech, she said Thembeka has played a pivotal role in the great strides and victories that nurses have gained since the formation of DENOSA.
Chairperson of Southern African Network of Nurses and Midwives (SANNAM), Bheki Mamba, vowed to continue the struggle for nurses in the region, which Thembeka has been very passionate about, which is characterised by few resources.
DENOSA President, Simon Hlungwani, said her contribution leading to the formation of DENOSA was largely decorated by sacrifice, dedication, resilience, commitment and hard work. “You have shown these similar traits throughout your stay at DENOSA for the past 18 years, building the organisation into a unified force that is respected throughout the world.
A 20-munite testimonial video was played, showing her contribution to the organisation and nursing profession.
Former Deputy General Secretary, David Makhombe,
receives a gift from Eastern Cape provincial Secretary,
Kholiswa Tota.
