City celebrates its 650-strong nursing workforce this International Nurses Day
12 May 2025
This International Nurses Day, City Health pauses to reflect on the contribution of the more than 600 nurses in its employ. The International Nurses Day 2025 theme is ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies’. Read more below:
City Health employs nearly 650 nursing staff members, aged between 24 and 64 – nearly 50 of whom are male.
They hold various qualifications, ranging from Enrolled Nursing Assistants to Clinical Nurse Practitioners who are able to perform tasks that are typically done by physicians, including diagnosing, treating, and managing illnesses.
'Nurses are the lifeblood of our primary healthcare service. They are the quiet strength behind every immunisation campaign, chronic club, wellness outreach, and emergency intervention. Their presence means continuity, trust, and unwavering care, often in the most challenging circumstances,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
In 2025, the International Council of Nurses is highlighting the importance of investing in nurses' well-being and recognising their contribution to global health and economic stability.Nurses account for more than 80% of the workforce in the primary healthcare space. City Health provides support for career advancement through bursaries and financial assistance for further studies, leadership and management training.
Staff also have access to the City's Employee Assistance Programme which offers confidential psychosocial support, as well as integrated wellness support focusing specifically on mental health.
Their output bears testament to the load that nurses carry.
In Cape Town, more than 230 000 residents are receiving life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, with nearly 99% receiving their treatment at a primary health care facility.
In 2024, City Health saw an increase of 61% in the number of TB tests, as staff championed the implementation of Targeted Universal Testing for TB (TUTT).
And, in the 2023/24 financial year, City clinics screened nearly 179 000 clients for diabetes, and more than 600 000 for hypertension – two of the most common and potentially deadly lifestyle diseases.
'To our nurses … your work is not just a job, it's a calling. You are the hope in our communities, the strength in our teams, and the reason many of our clients return with a smile. Thank you for choosing to serve, to lead, and to care. You are not just the frontline, you are the lifeline. To our clients, help us celebrate these amazing individuals by adhering to treatment regimens and staying true to the health advice that is so critical to mitigating your risk of disease,' added Councillor Higham.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
