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The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Randfontein nurse who delivers baby in parking lot earns national praise
Professional nurse Khomotso Comfort Ramabokela (29) won a national award in private healthcare after he helped deliver a baby in a parking lot. Randfontein Herald reports that when Ramabokela arrived at the vehicle in the parking lot to assess the situation, he saw that the baby's head was crowning, which meant the woman was close to delivering the child. He explained he had to prepare himself physically and psychologically for what was to come. His first thought was ensuring the safe delivery of the baby and the health of the mother. He tried to remember that safety and sterility, even outside of the hospital, need to be maintained all the time. Before working for Randfontein Private Hospital, Ramabokela worked in the emergency department and the labour ward, which prepared him for that very moment. He says coming across such emergencies time and again helped him develop calm and focus. During the delivery of the baby, Ramabokela noted there were some challenges, such as a lack of space and comfort for the patient, as well as patient privacy. To overcome these challenges, he put the patient in the back seat and covered her. 'The most important thing to keep in mind during situations like these is a safe delivery. You have to ensure the environment is safe for both the baby and the mother. Easy equipment accessibility and the necessary help are also important,' he says. Ramabokela used his midwifery speciality that he acquired at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and previous experience to help handle the situation. The best moment for him was when he heard the baby's cries and saw the mother's tears of joy. 'Gaining recognition and being appreciated, it motivated me to keep on working hard and also be open to learning opportunities for me to gain more knowledge and be able to apply the necessary skills in the daily challenges that I come across.' He advises other healthcare professionals who might face similar emergencies outside of a hospital setting to stay calm and focused. 'Prioritise a safe and sterile environment for your patients, apply necessary skills and also ask for help from colleagues who are near you when you need help, to provide a good health care service.' The VUT and Lenmed Private Hospital celebrated Comfort for his outstanding contribution to healthcare and the recognition he recently received as 'Celebrate of the Year' across South Africa and the African continent. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Health services brought closer to young people
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) students received firsthand experience of essential health services during the Close the Gap Higher Education event by Girl Effect South Africa in collaboration with the Department of Health, South African National Aids Council, and Higher Health. The event on May 9 was graced by various guests, including the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The campaign encourages HIV testing and treatment, helping close the country's significant treatment gap. The activation is part of a national strategy to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aims to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those achieve viral suppression. According to statistics, youth account for a large proportion of the estimated 5.7 million South Africans living with HIV but not on antiretroviral therapy. The campaign focuses on improving access to youth-friendly healthcare on campuses and in communities. Girl Effect brings its experience in youth-centred communication, behaviour change, and media to help break down stigma and promote informed decision-making. Its focus is especially on adolescent girls and young women, who remain at higher risk of HIV infection and are often underserved by the health system. Through its flagship programme ' Jik'iZinto', Girl Effect connects young women with trans-formative health education and digital engagement. During the event, over 1 687 students accessed HIV counselling, testing, ART initiation and contraceptive services. Young people were educated on oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a daily pill that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. Young people were also encouraged to conduct screenings for STIs, TB, and chronic diseases. Students actively participated in youth dialogues and peer-to-peer health education. Country Director of Girl Effect South Africa Dr Lisa Mulenga says too often, young people face barriers that prevent them from seeking the healthcare they need. 'At Girl Effect, we work to remove those barriers by creating platforms where young people can access accurate information, engage with relatable content, and feel supported in making decisions about their health.' During the event, Nkomo-Ralehoko engaged with stakeholders, culminating in a pledge signing ceremony. The event demonstrated the health department's commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing health challenges and promoting meaningful partnerships. The VUT activation featured student-led dialogues, physical wellness activities, live performances, and keynote addresses from key decision-makers. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
