6 October 2023, Johannesburg – On 14 October 2023, Nontsikelelo Biko, the wife of the late Steve Biko, will be honoured at an event hosted by the Black Nurses Forum. The Black Nurses Forum was launched in November 2015 as a means to restore the reputation of the nursing profession and to strengthen relations between nurses, patients and communities, with the purpose to advocate for all citizens to receive quality healthcare.
The event acknowledges the contributions made by Mam’ Biko over the last decades. She has been an avid advocate when it comes to healthcare and education concerns. Through the Steve Biko Foundation and Steve Biko Centre, initiatives she was involved in since their inception, she promoted positive community activism and mobilisation, with particular focus on public health and other key community concerns.
Through her nursing legacy and activism impact, she has become an inspiration to those within the healthcare sector. As such, the Black Nurses Forum is proud to honour Mam’ Biko at their event this month, aptly themed: “Walking on the footsteps of icons”. At the prestigious event, to be held in Pretoria, Mam’ Biko will be acclaimed for her contribution to the community and healthcare industry, and for inspiring generations of nurses. The event will showcase Mam’ Biko’s milestones through the years, and allow healthcare professionals to express their gratitude, as well as highlight pressing matters facing the industry. Among the various talks will be a keynote address by Former Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Gwen Ramakgopa, who served as the first woman MEC for Health in Gauteng Province and as CEO of the South African Medical and Dental Practitioners Association. Ramakgopa is a leader in the healthcare sector and has also served as the Mayor of Tshwane between 2006 and 2010. Her presentation will focus on empowerment, excellence, and innovation within the healthcare sector.
Gugu Mokoape of Black Nurses Forum said “The Black Nurses Forum is a celebration and conception to all of us that nurses deserve to acquire their dignity and pride in their profession restored. For a while, the image of the nursing profession has been severely dented and has made nurses vulnerable. Celebrating nurses through this event will not only motivate the nurses to execute well, but it will inspire others to see the profession for what it is, and for the future potential it has .We therefore want to grasp this opportunity to honour Mam’ Nontsikelelo Biko for her fraction in championing for public health and serving the people and communities with heartfelt dedication. ”
Black Nurses Forum event details
The event details are as follows:
Date: Saturday 14 October 2023
Time: 09h30
Dress Code: Nurses to dress in nurses’ uniform, other individuals to dress in white
Ticket Sales: R150 per person (includes lunch)
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