The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates its dedicated affiliate, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) for reaching yet another milestone, marking 28 years of championing the advancement of nurses since 5 December 1996.

DENOSA remains resilient amidst an ailing healthcare system that is marred with a myriad of challenges. For years, its members have had to push back against government austerity measures which have led to a significant reduction in personnel allocations and vacant posts. Daily, nurses choose to devote themselves to the profession despite an overloaded system.

The union has tirelessly carried its members, some who are working in deplorable conditions including long hours, inadequate resources, heavy workload due to a high nurse-to-patient ratio and burnout. With the country’s elevated crime levels, nurses are now targets for criminals. Their safety is compromised inside and outside health facilities.

In addition to this, the employer refuses to provide them with sufficient uniforms and related allowances. For too long the nurses have been made to subsidise government as they use their salaries to purchase the uniform that is supposed to be supplied by the employer.

COSATU applauds DENOSA’s leadership in its council of invigorating the union’s Student Movement. The platform is providing hope to thousands of undergraduate student nurses from universities, colleges and nursing schools. Young nurses are introduced to the labour movement to be able to continue the struggle for the emancipation of healthcare professionals. Through its work, young nurses who completed their community service are absorbed into the system.

The Federation is confident that the future of nurses is promising, with DENOSA at the helm.

Long live DENOSA, Long live!

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela(COSATU National Spokesperson)Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za