Romi participated in the Night Run to Honour Nurses in Cape Town in 2021 and 2022. She was the 1st Lady over the finish line in 2021, and placed 2nd at the 2022 race. Sr.Teresa Basson, the Director of TEN Campaign, congratulated all the race winners, and was particularly impressed by this energetic young nurse. Romi’s personal discipline, professionalism, dedication, and humility shines through her smile, which motivated us to invite her to tell her story. Being a nurse is who she is. Romi wants to make a difference in people’s lives, especially those patients needing critical care. We now have the honour of sharing more about this exceptional ICU nurse.

General Zuziwe Maso was not happy to remain a general nurse. She has been very intentional about studying further to make an impact in her nursing career. Zuzi is a motivation to her peers and colleagues. She has moved through the military ranks and achieved much success with many highlights in her career. When we interviewed her in January 2023 she was still Brigadier Maso, and was at the time Director Military Health Nursing. She has since been promoted to Major General. What a privilege to share the story behind this inspiring nurse

Some people will always be content with simply being a passenger on the train. Others, while enjoying the journey, will keep moving forward on the Train of Opportunity, to ultimately take over the Driver’s seat!  Mr. Aghmat Mohamed is such a man. Did the family and friends of this young boy growing up in Manenberg, Cape Town, ever imagine that he would one day be the Director of Nursing Services at one of the largest hospitals in South Africa?   It is our privilege to share Mr. Aghmat Mohamed’s story……

“You do not need to stay where you are. You have the power to follow any road! Allow yourself to grow and make a difference out of an ordinary nursing job. You can change your world and those you serve.” ELIZMA ANTHONISSEN - Ophthalmic Nurse Specialist

Values of The Exceptional Nurse Bruce herself embodies these values. She is a patron of TEN (The Exceptional Nurse) campaign, which envisages exceptional nursing care practised by compassionate, committed, competent and courageous professionals in every hospital and clinic in South Africa. “If nurses are ‘the backbone’ of public health, why are they treated like the coccyx!” says Bruce indignantly, who decries the patriarchy and disrespect that persists, particularly between doctors and nurses. Bruce can’t but help be immersed in the politics of nursing, stakeholders in which have recognised her expertise – she was previously appointed to the Ministerial Task Team on Nursing Education and Training, and was a member of the Standing Committee on Health of the Academy of Science of South Africa. Nurses make up the largest cadre of healthcare workers and are essential for a strong and responsive health system. Bruce says it is high time to see a nurse in the role of Minister of Health.