By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A special farewell ceremony was held by Mpumalanga Department of Health to honour Busi Makhubela Mashele as she retires after 40 years of diligent and committed service to her profession.
The emotional ceremony was held at Ndalo Lodge in Manzana on Wednesday 30 October.
The Department’s Chief Director Primary Health Care, Dr Cheryl Nelson, said Mashele has left a good legacy of commendable work ethic and excellent service. Nelson added that she hopes Mashele will continue to impact society with her great enthusiasm.
“ The workplace will not be the same. We are here to celebrate a remarkable journey in the public service. We are here to say farewell to a reserved, work-driven and meticulous human being. We are very much appreciative to your family, for allowing you to serve the people of Mpumalanga.
“ We will miss your guidance and humour. I hope that you won’t stop sharing your pieces of advice and funny jokes because the world needs them,” said Dr Nelson.
According to the Department, Mashele started her illustrious career in 1984 as a Student Nurse at Shongwe Hospital. She qualified as General Nurse and Midwife, also qualified as a Nurse Educator, Community Health Worker and Nurse Administrator.
She’s credited for pioneering the District Health Information System(DHIS) software in Mpumalanga and Tiered system for capturing data.
Mashele went on to work as a Facility Manager, Information Officer for Tonga District. She was appointed as Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Manager HIV/AIDS, she was transferred to Primary Health Care(PHC) as Community Based Health Service(CBHS) Manager to date.
Mashele’s former colleagues contributed various gifts as a token of appreciation for her immeasurable companionship and unquestionable professionalism.
