​Koketso Maraba

Frontline workers who weathered the storm during the COVID-19 pandemic have been acknowledged for their collaborative achievements and innovative healthcare solutions which helped to reduce and contain the infectious disease during the 2020 -2022 period. 
These heroic healthcare workers got their much-deserved spotlight for having contributed significantly to running the healthcare system during the pandemic. This was during the Public Service Health Excellence Awards by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) hosted at the Birchwood hotel and conference centre in Boksburg on Tuesday, 02 April 2024.
The Tshwane Health District, Ekurhuleni Health District, Johannesburg Health District, West Rand Health District and Sedibeng Health District received their accolades,  as well as the Reduced Transmission Workstream, Clinical Care Services, Support And Logistics, Disposal of Human Remains, Emergency Medical Services, Information Technology, Communication and Administration support units for tirelessly working to provide care, support, information and comfort at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Praising the healthcare professionals, MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said that during the period of adversity, these individuals and work streams emerged as heroes as they went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the well-being of Gauteng residents were prioritised, by being pillars of strength, beacons of hope, and the epitome of excellence.  
"You stepped up, often at great personal risk and sacrifice, and the government owes you a debt of gratitude for carrying that burden on behalf of us all. You kept on pushing, remained resilient, and responded to the pandemic even though you were infected yourselves and lost your loved ones in the process," complimented the MEC. 
One of the shinning heroes whose stream got recognised on the day, Johannes Mphoka from the GDoH's Public Health Directorate thanked the Department for acknowledging their efforts and contribution made during the pandemic. 
"Receiving an award is always a special moment but being recognised for outstanding contribution in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is a great motivator and an opportunity to do more," said Mphoka. 

In addition, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko also gave recognition to the key stakeholders that supported the Department such as the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), The Networking HIV&AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA), Red Cross Society, World Health Organization (WHO), and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDOE).
As of 31 March 2024, a total of 4 076 463 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and 102 595 deaths had been reported in South Africa. Of the COVID-19 cases reported in the country, Gauteng provinces account for 34% (1 368 256) of these. The number of people who died from the disease in the Gauteng province is 21,149.