Men are heroes, professionals – and kings. That is according to women at Michael Mapongwana Community Health Centre (CHC) who paid tribute to the men on Friday August 26.
In an unlikely gesture during Women’s Month, the facility’s female staff held an event to show their appreciation to men for the contribution they had played in their lives and those of the patients.
Dressed in red, the women said they decided to host a special event themed “Appreciating the facility kings” to thank men for the role they played at the facilitiy.
Event organiser Mandisa Mafuya described her male colleagues as brave men who made a lot of sacrifices to defend women staffers. “We are truly grateful to have them on our side,” she said.
The men, who were required to dress in white, were treated to food and presents.
Ms Mafuya commended the women who had organised the event, and said she hoped it wouldn’t be the last.
“They have been brilliant in their work and this event. Female (staff) showed that they are true mothers. We are mothers and there is nothing good in the family without us. As much as we honour our fathers here, we have been in the forefront of things here,” she said.
Male staff nurse Lungisani Mani described the day as “marvellous”, saying he had been surprised by the gesture.
“We feel honoured. We did not expect this surprise by (our) female (colleagues). It is surprising that the women would take time off to give us this recognition. Our dedication to our work and that of others has resulted in this gesture. In the history of this centre since its establishment in 1996, this (event) is the first of its kind. This means we are father figures indeed,” Mr Mani said.
He said the event had managed to unite all departments at the facility and that it was a clear indication of mutual respect between male and female staff at the facility. “There is dignity here because of us. Events like this one unifies us all,” he said.