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Nursing the World Cup spirit

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So I'm sitting this morning having a lekker cup of coffee with a special lady - a nursing friend of mine.  We were having a good giggle at watching Vuyo on SABC 2 doing the Diksi dance for SWC.  Neither of the two of us can let go of our coffee cups and dear to embarrass ourselves in front of each other to wiggle the bum and shake the legs to the Diksi.  But our shyness is not the reason for this story.

She comes downstairs looking stunning as always…wait, back to the story. Around her neck is the SWC scarf. Little did she know that a few minutes later she would discover the surprise I left on her dashboard which consisted of a SWC hat in South African Colours and three soccer balls on top. It’s at this point the words she spoke that made my bottom jaw drop and stop dead in my tracks.

"We were told yesterday by the City of Cape Health bosses that we made not wear any soccer stuff on Fridays as its unprofessional".

EXCUSE ME!

Not sure if you, the reader, have ever been to one of our city clinics/hospitals. While I know there are nurses who don't pull their weight. There are some, like my friend, who go beyond the call of duty and really try to make a difference in this world for those people who really can’t afford health care. I have known her to bake pancakes, buy fruit, buy sweets and share them amongst some of her patients and fellow nurses. This all from her own pocket.

Our nurses work under some very trying conditions. Most times due to lack of budget they have to do with the bare essentials in equipment. I have been to her clinic and see how sometimes they don't even have coffee for themselves or even hand towels to wash their hands with. Because there is no budget. But yet our city can easily find R6m to demolish the towers (I know we have to demolish them, but my point here is that if there is the will the city very quickly finds the money).

These nurses put their lives at risk take care of the sick people of this city. They work in conditions and with patients that have HIV/Aids, TB and many other diseases.

So why, oh City of Cape Town, can you not allow them to be a part of the GEES of SWC? For what reason do you find it inappropriate for them to wear a funny Soccer hat, or a SWC scarf?

I find this hypocritical of our city officials.

Just this morning I saw our Premier wearing a SWC scarf. I walk past the Civic Centre everyday and see staff members with SWC clothing on. In my very office we have SWC flags and all sorts of things hanging from the roof, stuck on walls -we even have a mini soccer field in doors complete with a dressed up mannequin, net and ball. We are a professional worldwide company. It doesn't come more professional than us. But our bosses have recognised the GEES, the excitement that this SWC can provide. I myself am an avid hater of Soccer but have found myself caught up in this GEES. I too now have a soccer T-shirt and funnybunny Hat.

Come on City of Cape Town, surely you can’t begrudge our lovely, hard working and dedicated nurses and doctors some gees.

Perhaps the person who made this decision just doesn't understand or care about the privilege we have to host this SWC.

Mr Dan Plato, step in and talk to the MEC of health. Give our nurses some well deserved opportunity to enjoy the GEES.  

They deserve it all.

To Choccherry. I am proud of you. You make a difference in all your patients’ lives. You are a blessing in that place.

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