MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, with Gauteng EMS's ‘Green Angels’ at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Picture: Supplied
Throughout August, which is celebrated as Women’s Month, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), led by Health and Wellness MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko has been honouring and highlighting the contributions of women in the health sector.
Recently, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko joined Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in celebrating the courageous female Green Angels for their remarkable contributions to life-saving medical care across the province.
The celebration, held at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital's Recreation Centre, recognized women in leadership roles within EMS, including 22 shift leaders and 10 station managers. These women, lauded for breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, serve as "active agents of change and social transformation," according to MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
In her address, MEC Nkomo-Relahoko expressed her gratitude:
"We appreciate and would like to applaud you for continuously breaking barriers and demonstrating remarkable resilience daily as you respond to medical emergency calls.
She further praised the women for overcoming gender bias and attacks on paramedics, emphasising their embodiment of the spirit of those who fought for equality.
"Life without women is like a sky without the sun, the moon, and stars. Let's continue to break the barriers, you belong, you care, and you serve," acting chief director of Gauteng MEC Rueben Ruiters said.
In addition, the MEC supported medical staff at Mediwell Dainfern Medical Centre as they offered free dental, eye, mental health, hypertension, and diabetes screenings to employees and the community of Fourways. Nkomo-Ralehoko commended the collaboration.
“Our healthcare system is at its most effective when we collaborate ... When we unite around a shared vision, the health and well-being of our communities, our combined efforts lead to remarkable outcomes.”
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