Staff and families gathered at the OR Tambo Memorial Hospital to remember the dozen healthcare workers who were killed in a truck explosion near the facility on Christmas Eve.
39 other people who were in the vicinity of the hospital also perished while a dozen or so sustained serious injuries.
Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Friday led proceedings at opening of a remembrance tombstone in honour of the twelve healthcare workers who were killed instantly during the explosion.
Nkomo-Ralehoko paid tribute to the hospital’s surviving staff and emergency services personnel for the rescue of colleagues even when the situation was still dangerous.
“Amid the chaos,the bravery and selflessness displayed by so many was nothing short of heroic. While some sought safety, others intensively moved towards the danger, their thoughts focused on the safety and well-being of their colleagues. This display of bravery and dedication speaks volumes about the character and the spirit of the staff at the Tambo memorial hospital. Equally unforgettable was the response of our emergency medical services on that day. To see our own ems teams typically to external crises, rushing to our aid was deeply touching. Their quick and courageous actions in the rescue of their colleagues highlighted the risk they face everyday in their dedication to saving lives,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MEC compared the incident to this year’s Marshalltown fire. “ That’s why when I was speaking about the Marshalltown fire it reminded me of the Tambo memorial because it was exactly the same response,” she said.
Matron Constance Mhlongo was on duty on the day of the tragedy and recalls the agony.
“You know when you come on duty you expect to receive disaster people from outside but on this fateful day the disaster happened to us. It was a very hectic day,very painful and you cannot even imagine how hurt we felt as staff,how chaotic the area was because we were not prepared for one of us or some of us to be in that particular situation.we thought we were just coming on duty and it was a Christmas eve everybody was excited about the next day only ourselves here in this chaotic situation,” said the matron.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the response to the two deadly disasters demonstrated the commitment and dedication of healthcare workers.
“The sorrow and loss also revealed the incredible strength and unity of our hospital community. In the aftermath the support, empathy and the solidarity shown by everyone here were truly heartwarming. The way colleagues supported each other, the community assistance and the strength by families of victims were a beacon of hope in a time of grief. Indeed last year’s disaster cast a shadow over what should have been a festive season, turning our Christmas black with mourning as we paused our celebrations to lay our beloved ones to rest,” she said.