Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital CEO, Dr Nthabiseng Makgana, says healthcare workers who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic will never be forgotten. She was speaking on Monday at the launch of the Garden of Heroes, a memorial space dedicated to honouring frontline workers who died while serving the nation.Dr Makgana said the memorial stands as a symbol of the courage and dedication shown by doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff who faced immense pressure as hospitals struggled to cope at the height of the pandemic. “The Garden of Heroes is a reminder that integrity is not optional. It is essential and it is life-saving,” she said.The event also recognised whistleblowers who exposed corruption and malpractice in the health sector during the pandemic. Dr Makgana noted that their courage helped strengthen accountability and safeguard public resources at a critical time.Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, also paid tribute to those who spoke out. “We also honour the whistleblowers — the unsung heroes,” she said.“To the families of Babita Deokaran and Thabo who are with us today, please know your loved ones did not die in vain. Their bravery has become a flame that continues to shine.”According to government data, South Africa recorded more than 1,300 healthcare worker deaths linked to COVID-19, with Gauteng home to some of the country’s busiest public hospitals among the hardest-hit provinces.
Chris Hani Baragwanath opens ‘Garden of Heroes’ honouring COVID-19 frontline workers
