​Koketso Maraba
 
Nurses are stepping into the spotlight as key leaders in Africa's healthcare future. This was the strong message delivered at the 5th African Nursing Conference, where healthcare leaders, frontline nurses, and policy experts gathered to reimagine a more inclusive and effective health system for the continent.
Held under the theme of "Transformation and Leadership," the conference highlighted how nurses are not just care providers - they are researchers, mentors, innovators, and trusted voices in their communities. As discussions unfolded, one truth became clear - nurses are ready to lead, and they must be supported to do so.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, praised nurses for their hard work, emotional strength, and resilience in the face of daily challenges. However, she also challenged the outdated notion that nurses are merely the backbone of healthcare.
"For too long, nurses have been seen as essential yet rarely recognised as the brains or the voices that guide the system. Thankfully, this view is beginning to shift," she said.
To support this progress, the MEC added that government is investing in improved hospital infrastructure, digital health tools, and wellness programmes aimed at helping nurses manage burnout and stress. 
"True empowerment cannot come from policy alone. It requires collaboration between nurses, government leaders, and communities working together," emphasised the MEC.
 Dr. Tracey De Klerk, Deputy Director for Nursing Compliance and Research and Chairperson of the conference, encouraged nurses to recognise their own skills and the value they bring to healthcare.
"Many nurses, especially those trained in trauma care, go above and beyond their job descriptions. Their extra efforts, often done after hours, play a vital role in patient outcomes," she said.
Dr. De Klerk also stressed the importance of formally recognising and utilising these skills during working hours to significantly improve healthcare delivery. She drew attention to the disparities between public and private healthcare systems in South Africa and called for stronger partnerships between the two sectors.
"We need to share ideas and resources to solve challenges more effectively," she urged.
Adding a future-focused perspective, Dr. Geraldine Timothy from Discovery Health spoke about the growing role of digital tools in nursing. She described how artificial intelligence, personalised care, and data analysis are already transforming healthcare delivery.
"Technology should not replace the care and connection that only a nurse can provide. Instead, nurses must be supported as the bridge between high-tech tools and human compassion," she said.
A key focus of the conference was on training and leadership development. Delegates agreed that strong, well-trained nursing teams are essential to building resilient healthcare systems. Partnerships between both private and public hospitals, universities, and professional bodies are helping ensure that nurses receive the support they need to learn, grow, and lead.
The 5th African Nursing Conference served as a powerful reminder that nurses are not only essential to healthcare - but they are also leading its transformation. With the right support, training, and opportunities, nurses across Africa will continue to drive lasting change for generations to come.