The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its 9th National Congress, held under the theme “Promoting Organisational Growth Through Innovative Practices Towards Resilient Quality Healthcare and Effective Member Servicing.” The Congress, which took place on the 25 – 28 March 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg Johannesburg, brought together 490 delegates, representing 87,000 nurses across all nine provinces, as well as key allies, to deliberate on critical issues affecting the nursing profession and the broader public healthcare system in South Africa.

This Congress, convened at a critical time when nurses and healthcare workers grapple with multiple challenges, including stagnant wages, a rising cost of living, continued attacks on collective bargaining, and systemic failures within the public healthcare system. It also took place following the 2024 General Elections, which led to the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), presenting both challenges and opportunities for workers and their representation in policymaking.

Key Resolutions of the Congress

DENOSA emerged from this Congress, unified, energised, and resolute in advancing the interests of nurses and strengthening the healthcare system. Among the critical resolutions adopted at the Congress are the following:

Defending Workers’ Rights and Collective Bargaining – DENOSA firmly opposes the ongoing erosion of collective bargaining rights, particularly the Employer’s withdrawal from the PSCBC Resolution 3 of 2018. The organisation remains committed to securing fair wage increases, improved working conditions, and job security for all nurses.

Addressing the Nursing Shortage and Working Conditions – The Congress emphasised the urgent need to address the severe shortage of nurses, the failure to absorb community service nurses, and the growing strain on healthcare workers due to understaffing. DENOSA will continue to push for the immediate employment of nurses and a better working environment.

Fair and Decent Salaries – Recognising that nurses are the backbone of South Africa’s healthcare system, the Congress reaffirmed the call for just and competitive remuneration that reflects the value of their work.

Ensuring a Safe Working Environment – DENOSA remains steadfast in its demand for improved workplace safety, calling for stronger protections against violence and crime targeting nurses while on duty.

Transforming Nursing Education – The Congress resolved to push for a review of the nursing education system to better align it with the country’s comprehensive healthcare needs. Furthermore, delegates called for the immediate accreditation of nursing institutions to address the critical shortage of trained healthcare professionals.

Implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) – DENOSA reaffirms its unwavering support for the rapid implementation of the NHI as a means to achieve Universal Health Coverage. However, the Congress also emphasised that systemic issues in the public healthcare sector—such as infrastructure challenges, staff shortages, and resource allocation—must first be addressed to ensure the successful rollout of the NHI.

Strengthening Alliance and Organisational Unity – DENOSA reaffirmed its affiliation with COSATU and committed to playing an active role in efforts to revitalise and reconfigure the Alliance (COSATU, SACP, and SANCO) in pursuit of the working-class agenda.

Advancing Gender Equity and Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) – Recognising the disproportionate impact of gender-based violence on nurses and healthcare workers, DENOSA resolved to intensify its efforts in championing gender equality and workplace safety. In addition to denouncing GBV and sexual harassment in the workplace, DENOSA furthermore made a call against GBV in our societies, saying we need to find collective ways of addressing this issue.

Expanding DENOSA’s International Influence – The Congress reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to increasing its global presence in healthcare and labour discussions, ensuring that South African nurses contribute to shaping international health and labour policies.

DENOSA extends its deepest gratitude to all members who actively participated in the Congress, ensuring its success and reinforcing the organisation’s unity and strength. The commitment and determination displayed by delegates reaffirm DENOSA’s role as a formidable advocate for nurses in South Africa.

We also extend heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of COSATU for their unwavering support and solidarity throughout the Congress. COSATU remains a vital ally in the broader struggle for workers’ rights, and DENOSA remains steadfast in its role within the Federation.

A special thank you is extended to our international guests whose participation enriched the Congress with global perspectives on nursing and labour issues. Their solidarity highlights the shared struggles of healthcare workers worldwide.

We also acknowledge and appreciate all the speakers and presenters who contributed valuable insights during various sessions, shaping the resolutions that will guide DENOSA’s strategic direction moving forward.

As we conclude this Congress, DENOSA stands firm and more determined to champion the rights of nurses and advocate for improvements in the healthcare fraternity. The resolutions adopted here will serve as a roadmap for the organisation’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders, mobilisation of members, and advocacy at national and international levels.

We are proud to announce our uncontested newly elected DENOSA leadership, who will steer the organisation forward in implementing these resolutions:

President: Simon Hlungwani

1st Deputy President: Simphiwe Daniel Gada

2nd Deputy President: Linah Jiyane

National Treasurer: Linda Eustacia Katz-Hulana

General Secretary: Kwena Daniel Manamela

Deputy General Secretary – Operations: Dimakatso Sebopa

Deputy General Secretary – Membership: Khaya Sodidi

We furthermore congratulate our newly elected Gender Structure leadership:

National Gender Chairperson: Khutlang Lethena

National Gender Deputy Chairperson: Dipuo Sekwati

National Gender Secretary: Ntsako Mathebula

National Gender Deputy Secretary: Nozuko Xoki

Together, we move forward, ready to implement a vigorous programme of action that will benefit our members and the healthcare sector as a whole. The Composite Resolutions of this Congress will be shared on our website at www.denosa.org.za.

Issued by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA)

Contact our National Spokesperson, Sonia Mabunda-Kaziboni, at 072-535-1577 for any additional information or media-related questions