SA Marks International Nurses Day with Urgent Call to Protect and Empower Nurses

As South Africa joins the global community in commemorating International Nurses Day on Monday, the Department of Health has called for urgent and united efforts to safeguard the rights, safety, and working conditions of the nation’s nursing professionals. Celebrated annually on 12 May, the day also honours the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and serves as a reminder of the pivotal role nurses play in shaping the future of healthcare.

This year, International Nurses Day is observed under the global theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.” The theme underscores the crucial importance of investing in the nursing workforce—not only to improve healthcare outcomes but also to build economic resilience and sustainable health systems worldwide.

Nurses at the Heart of Healthcare

In a statement released on Monday, the Department of Health lauded nurses as the “backbone of any healthcare system,” noting that they are often the primary point of contact for patients and serve as an essential link between patients and the broader medical infrastructure.

“Nurses play a critical role in diagnosing, managing, and supporting patients’ healthcare needs. Their responsibilities extend beyond clinical care to include counselling and educating patients and their families on conditions, treatment options, and long-term care strategies,” the department stated.

Despite their indispensable role, nurses across South Africa continue to face a myriad of challenges, including safety risks within their workplaces. Reports have highlighted alarming incidents of physical and verbal abuse, sexual assault, and robbery, particularly targeting nurses in primary healthcare facilities.

Escalating Safety Concerns

The department expressed concern over what it termed “disgraceful and heinous acts” against nurses, pointing to recent cases where healthcare workers have been attacked while on duty. These incidents have spotlighted the urgent need for increased protection and the creation of a safer working environment.

“Healthcare facilities should be sanctuaries of healing and care, not crime scenes. It is unacceptable that the very individuals entrusted with caring for our sick are living in fear while performing their duties,” said the department.

To address these threats, the department has made a public appeal to civil society, law enforcement, community-based organisations, and the general public to actively participate in efforts to make health facilities safe and supportive environments for nurses.

Investing in the Future of Nursing

In line with its Human Resources for Health Strategy 2030, the Department of Health has announced plans to recruit an additional 200 nurses over the coming months. This recruitment drive forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen the healthcare workforce and achieve Universal Health Coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act.

The department stressed that a “sufficient number of well-skilled, enabled, and supported healthcare workers” is vital to achieving a healthcare system that is affordable, accessible, and of high quality.

The Human Resources for Health Strategy also seeks to reduce excessive workloads and burnout—a common concern among nurses—by ensuring adequate staffing and better distribution of responsibilities. These improvements are expected to significantly enhance patient care outcomes and workplace satisfaction.

Global Report and Policy Focus

In a major milestone, South Africa is participating in the global launch of the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses. The report delves into pressing issues such as employment patterns, education and training, service delivery models, and leadership roles within the nursing profession.

The findings are anticipated to inform key policy directions both nationally and globally, providing a roadmap for governments and health institutions to prioritise the needs of nurses as essential agents in the delivery of public health services.

A Shared Responsibility

As the nation reflects on the contributions of nurses and the obstacles they continue to face, the Department of Health reaffirmed its commitment to championing a professional, well-supported, and secure working environment for all healthcare workers.

“The success of our healthcare system hinges on how we treat those who serve within it. When we protect and care for our nurses, we protect and care for our entire society. It is time for all sectors of society to step up and play their part,” the department concluded.

International Nurses Day offers not only a chance to celebrate the achievements of nurses but also a critical opportunity to mobilise support, drive reforms, and ensure that nurses are empowered to lead the future of healthcare in South Africa and beyond.