The man who makes sure that the Messina Hospital mortuary is the cleanest in Limpopo was honoured for his hard work. Mr Edwin Mutshutshu Sigama is a mortuary cleaner who was one of the award recipients during the second Messina Hospital chief executive officer's (CEO) awards that took place at Jennitas Hall, Musina, last week.
More than 40 employees were given awards in five categories during the event.
"I was not aware that they were monitoring my work as a mortuary cleaner. I seriously love my job, but I never thought that my efforts would be recognized in front of my colleagues. I'm not ashamed of my job as a mortuary cleaner and I feel very proud about it," said Sigama after receiving his huge special trophy.
Messina Hospital CEO Mr Ntovhedzeni Ligege said he had introduced the awards to encourage the hospital staff to work hard. "Despite the hardships and the challenges that we have as a hospital, it is important to celebrate success during our lifetime. There is a saying that when you don't have the best, you must use the worst to produce the best. Everyone should know that, despite all the odds, we still have a good story to tell as Messina Hospital."
Ligege told guests that Messina Hospital had reason to shine because it led in revenue collection amongst all the public hospitals in Vhembe. "We have the lowest maternal death rate and our mortuary and maternity ward are the cleanest in Limpopo. These are some of the reasons why we should keep on celebrating as a hospital."
Dr Ntshengedzeni Maila said that being a faithful servant of the people was always rewarding. "When you do good, you don't have to talk about it because excellence will build a brand for you. You are bestowed with a very big responsibility of saving people's lives and that becomes a reward by itself. Be in the driver's seat of your life and you will be great in your area of service. Fame fades but your greatness will last forever."
Representing the labour unions, Mr Calvin Tshamano said workers were celebrating excellence under difficult conditions and emphasized that workers should always be united. He thanked the hospital management for rewarding workers, even though they still worked under difficult conditions.
The chairperson of the Messina Hospital Board, Mr David Mokobi, thanked the workers for their dedication in serving the community. He also praised the hospital management for rewarding workers who had gone the extra mile in their line of duty.