After serving for more than 21 years at Laudium Community Health Centre (CHC) and nearly 40 years for the Department of Health, “our treasured Sister Nancy Nkopane is retiring”. She has impacted the lives of thousands of patients, families and caregivers.
Sister Nancy, a mother of three boys who resides in Atteridgeville says Laudium has become her home. “In 2000, I came to Laudium after the District Surgeons office closed down. I schooled in Atteridgeville, then went to Limpopo for training. I worked at George Mukhari Hospital in the north of Pretoria for four years.”
“I want to say thank you, this was one thing I wanted to do before I leave today, thank you to the community of Laudium for supporting me for so many years. I want to thank my staff who stood by me, I want to say I have good, hardworking, passionate and kind staff.”
“Whenever I needed resources, the community would rally together and provide what was needed. The time of Covid19, everything was new to us, the community provided the much needed resources to the Laudium CHC to ensure the patients are comfortable. I want to thank all of you who assisted in this time.”
Sister Nancy spoke of the success of the Zwartkops Vaccine Site and said the success was due to teamwork.
Social Activist, Yusuf Abramjee, wished Sister Nancy well with her retirement.
“She has been at the hospital right from the very beginning. We salute her for her service to the community. At the Zwartkops Vaccination site, she led a professional and efficient team."
“Sister Nancy will be missed by the community,” added Abramjee.
Opening the Zwartkops Vaccination Site, Alderman Essop, MMC for Health Sakkie du Plooy, Former Gauteng Premier David Makhura, Yusuf Abramjee and Sister Nancy Nkopane
Sister Nancy started off as a Nurse doing school healthcare , home care visits and mobile services. “With home based care I went to many homes of the elderly and I built a relationship with families. Due to this relationship it was a pleasure to care to ill patients on weekends and also after hours. My patients cared for me also. I will miss Laudium, its people, Eid, Diwali…”
Sister Nancy thanked previous Facility Managers Sister Kolapen and Sister Alper who laid the foundation of this clinic.
“There are no words to adequately sum up the impact you have had in our community, the greater good and to those of us fortunate enough to have served with you. You are an inspirational leader who leaves a legacy of humble servitude for all of us to try and emulate.” Responsible Pharmacist Afsana Moosa said.
Afsana Moosa pictured with Sister Nancy Nkopane at the farewell this past Friday
At a farewell function this past Friday, Afsana spoke on behalf of Allied Health, “We would like to say congrats Sr Nancy! 40 Years of service is an incredible achievement.”
“You have been our leader and it has been a priveledge working with you. You have guided us and you taught us valuable lessons that we will keep with us for a lifetime to come.”
“We know how hard you have worked.. early mornings late afternoons and even weekends. Now it’s time for you to put yourself first.”
Afsana ended her speech with this, “It’s time to say goodbye, but goodbyes are sad so I’d much rather say hello! Hello to a new chapter in your life. We wish you good health, happiness and all the best things life has to offer! You will be missed!”
“Thank you Sister Nancy for all of your dedication to healthcare & the services you provided in our community. We are grateful for everything you have done over the years. May God continue to bless you in your retirement.” Alderman Essop said.
Laudium CHC Clincial Social Worker Kefilwe Lebethe told Laudium Today at the function, "Today is an honour to bid a lady of this calibre farewell. She is an epitome of leadership, she exudes excellence. She has always gone the extra mile."
Standing: Sr Gloria Moatapile, Sr Sandiswa Kwaza, Sr Kefilwe Lebethe, Dr Ubisi and Sr Lorraine Motlhaloga
Sitting: Nurse Radcliff Ramara, Healthcare Waste Officer Daniel Leshabela and Nurse Pitso Bosoga
Nurse Lorraine Motlhaloga said, "We are celebrating Sister Nancy's 40 years of service within the department of health. Her selflessness is of magnitude. May the Lord bless her in all her future endeavors."
Laudium Today wishes Sister Nancy all the best in her retirement.
