Nursing Fraternity Leaders Push the Needle

The South African Military Health Service Nursing (SAMHS) Directorate hosted a Nurse Leaders Work Session at SAMHS Banana Beach Holiday Resort, in the Kwa Zulu Natal South Coast over the period 31 July to 4 August 2023 under theme “Pushing the Needle”, which is in line with the Surgeon General Intent and the National Health Strategy 2020/2021 2025/26 strategic goals. A total of 67 Nurses Leaders gathered at Banana Beach from all over the country, and represented every speciality in the SAMHS. During her opening remarks Acting Nursing Director Colonel I.M.A. Mabasa confirmed that Nurses account for approximately 20 % of SAMHS, the largest personnel corps of the SAMHS and she called on all them to unite as a team to improve nursing care in the organisation.

in every department, section and subsection of the Nursing Directorate. Some of the other burning topics that were discussed amongst others, the management of grievances’ the lack of and impact of critical resources (medication and medical consumables), the nursing skill audit, the scope of the practise of the different categories of nurse, the integral role of training and development and the urgent need of functional reskilling training programs.

The Area Military Health Formation (AMHF) Senior Staff Officer Nursing Colonel B.J. Dube presented AMHF Updated Structure, Implementation of Community Nursing, Management of Primary Health Care Nursing Services and Occupational Health and Safety nursing services.

Tertiary Military Health Formation Major J.K. Tolong presented nursing service management, Clinical Education and Training Unit’s (CETU) in military hospitals and the Nurse Leader mentorship program.

Lieutenant Colonel Moteane from Military Health Training Formation presented the progress in respect of Nursing College training programs, guidelines for future training and an update on the Primary Health Care Training Program.

Colonel K. Davies from Mobile Military Health Formation gave an overview on combat readiness and provided an annual external and internal deployment report.

Human Resource and the legal department did a hybrid presentations and covered topics such as the OSD translation, contract renewals, recruitment and appointment of officers. The Legal department gave an outline on ethical implications, legal issues and the implication thereof.

Various work committees were formed during the session to address clinical nursing care, training and development, standardization, quality insurance, research opportunities and human resources burning issues.

The week included a daily fun themes and Director Military Health Force Preparation, Major General M. Simelane honoured the gala evening on Wednesday 2 August 2023, during which the tradition of Lighting the Lamp and reading of the Nurses’ Pledge was introduced as a nursing profession symbol.

The SSO Policy and Planning Colonel A.E. Makumbane alongside the Industrial Psychologist Colonel E.K. Mokgale with Major S. Joubert had successfully and professionally facilitated the conference up to the end.

Maya Angelou once said, "As nurses, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel." This sentiment is evident in the dedication of nurses who commit their lives to serving and saving lives. We are all living proof that they are the lifeblood of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and society as a whole.

Former Director Nursing is known as a firm leader who never accepts "no" for an answer. She demonstrated that we cannot turn a blind eye to issues; we all bear the responsibility of effecting change. She took risks, even in the face of potential ridicule and resentment, for the betterment of others. She fought for the rights and dignity of nurses, and for this, the nursing department will forever be grateful.

As the saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Nurses exemplified unity during the coronavirus pandemic. They could not have done it without the leadership and guidance of their Staff Officer 1, Colonel Bhembe. They were called upon to put their lives on the line, and Colonel Bhembe stood beside them, even during tragic events where some colleagues lost their lives. Those who worked with her described her as more of a mother than anything else, providing them with a safe haven. Under her leadership, numerous grievances decreased significantly because she genuinely cared for their well-being. Like any mother, she knew when to be authoritative and set boundaries. It's safe to say that our impact on the lives we have touched will never fade, as all her colleagues share the same sentiments.

The foundation is the fundamental part of anything, and its crucial to lay a solid groundwork. SAMHS

Nursing College can attest to this truth. Many nurses in the South African Military Service has passed through the hands of Colonel Letebele, OC of Nursing College. Her role was demanding yet equally important because she instilled all the values synonymous with nursing in every student who will one day enter the professional field. Speaking of students, it was under her leadership that Nursing College achieved accreditation, a monumental achievement that will benefit the South African National Defence Force for generations to come.

The South African Military Health Service extends its heartfelt salute to these stalwarts for their outstanding contributions and wishes them well in their future endeavors.