MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05 May 2025
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Gauteng today launched a provincial Nurses’ Safety Campaign in response to increasing safety concerns faced by healthcare workers, particularly nurses and midwives. The launch coincided with the celebration of International Day of the Midwife under the global theme: “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis.”
The event was held at Lenasia Community Health Centre (CHC) and brought together nurses, midwives, health professionals, and stakeholders to highlight both the vital role of midwives and the pressing need to protect those who serve on the frontlines of healthcare.
This year’s theme shines a necessary spotlight on the essential and life-saving role midwives play in health systems, especially during crises such as pandemics, conflict, and natural disasters. Midwives continue to serve with unwavering commitment, often in environments that lack adequate protection.
DENOSA Gauteng acknowledges and celebrates the invaluable contributions of midwives, whose work is indispensable in ensuring safe maternal and newborn health outcomes. However, we also use this occasion to raise urgent concerns about the safety and security of nurses in healthcare facilities across the province.
We are particularly alarmed by the non-payment of security personnel by certain private security companies contracted to health institutions, resulting in unprotected facilities and increased exposure of nurses and other health workers to potential harm. This is unacceptable and reflects a dire neglect of occupational health and safety standards.
As DENOSA Gauteng, we call upon the Gauteng Department of Health and relevant stakeholders to:
Enforce compliance by private security providers to ensure timely payment and reliable staffing at all healthcare facilities.
Strengthen internal safety protocols to safeguard nurses, midwives, and all healthcare workers on duty.
Recognize the critical role of midwives by investing in their development, safety, and retention within the public health sector.
This campaign is not just about safety—it is a call to action to uphold the dignity and protection of the very individuals who protect and care for our communities every day.
Issued by:
DENOSA Gauteng Provincial Office
For media inquiries:
Bongani Mazibuko
Provincial Secretary
0716869544
Bongani Banda
Provincial Chairperson
0716775071
