​Rofhiwa Marubini
The Gauteng Provincial Government on Tuesday, 12 May 2020 joined the global community in commemorating the International Nurses Day by recognizing and honouring nurses who are at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, the day is commemorated under the theme: Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health.
Joined by Deputy Minister for Health Dr. Joe Phaahla, Gauteng MEC for Health,Dr Bandile Masuku celebrated the day at the Sedibeng Zone 17 Clinic.
MEC Masuku assured the nurses that their working conditions will be improved. 
"I know the challenges you face daily, including under COVID-19. I want you to know that several plans such as the Employee Value Proposition (EVP), the introduction of the National Health Insurance, improving The Occupational Health and Safety Act among others, are already in motion to improve your working conditions," said MEC Masuku
MEC Masuku commended the nurses for the care they give to people. "You have continuously shown great concern & care in all the stages of life, from the cradle to grave. Many of our babies have received love from you as they entered the world. You have also sat, side by side with us as we cried at the death beds of our loved ones," said MEC Masuku.
Phaahla said that even with the limited celebrations, nurses still needed to be recognised for the work that they did. 
"Ninety-nine percent of us owe our being in this world to the care of our mothers by nurses and midwives, and delivering us into this world, whether it's the modern nursing or traditional midwives," said Phaahla.