Joyful Nurse Dances at George Mukhari Hospital Amid Efforts to Manage Immigration

• A TikTok video showing a South African public hospital nurse joyfully dancing and praying went viral
• This celebration comes amidst SA’s ongoing debate regarding free access to public healthcare for undocumented foreign nationals
• The nurse's visible relief highlighted the issue of overstretched public hospitals and the impact of stricter patient access policies

South Africans have been captivated by a viral video of a joyful nurse dancing at George Mukhari Hospital, interpreting her happiness as a sign of eased pressure on the public healthcare system following new policies on undocumented foreign nationals.

A TikTok video shared by user @thithilish has gone viral, showing a South African nurse at George Mukhari Hospital spontaneously praising, worshipping, and dancing. The video captured the joyful healthcare worker giving thanks through prayer, worshipping and dancing as patients recorded the heartwarming moment.

The nurse’s energy and gratitude captured the attention of Mzansi citizens, with many interpreting her happiness as a reflection of eased pressure in the public hospital system. The video comes amid ongoing public conversations about South Africa’s strained public healthcare sector, particularly around the issue of undocumented foreign nationals accessing public services.

SA Public Hospitals tighten access for undocumented patients

Over the past few years, the South African Department of Health has faced mounting pressure due to overburdened hospitals, limited resources, and increasing patient loads. A significant point of contention has been the treatment of undocumented immigrants, many of whom rely on public healthcare facilities.

Recently, some public hospitals have begun implementing stricter policies, denying free access to undocumented patients who fail to provide valid documentation, reserving these services for South Africans only. While this move has sparked debate about human rights and access to healthcare, many frontline workers, especially in high-traffic hospitals like George Mukhari, have reported feeling some relief.

The dancing nurse, as many in the comment section suggested, was likely celebrating the reduced pressure in her department. While the exclusion of undocumented immigrants remains a contentious topic, the visible joy of one nurse has humanised the realities behind these policy shifts.

Mzansi reacted to the video

Tema said:

"Yoh! The government owes nurses a huge apology."

lindia

"I usually sing Lion of Judah out loud. I love that song; it carried me through COVID."

Mandene Zana said:

"Pragtig, Nurse Vee. ❤️🙏"

Elkur Dennis said:

"We need more nurses like you. God bless you. ❤️❤️"

Zekhethelo said:

"That’s my homegirl! 👌 She's restoring hope."

Pondy Vuli said:

"We need people like her, those who bring patients before the Father. Amen, dearest sister. 👌"

User9199855113634 said:

"She can now sing for South Africans. 🥰"

Beauty Hlengiwe Mtetwa said:

"Sanibonani, please help me, how much does it cost to extract a tooth? I'm in so much pain."

Maybileen said:

"What a beautiful sight straight from the hospital. God is everywhere. 🙌🫶🙏✅"

Edna Pienaar said:

"If only everyone could be like this."

Check out the TikTok video below

3 Briefly News stories about the Department of Health

• The Department of Health announced that it plans to give HIV patients ARVs for six months, reducing the number of visits to the clinic.
• Dr Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that the Department of Health spent over R1.1 million on medico-legal claims in 2024.
• Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla admitted that the health system was at breaking point in Gauteng.

Source: Briefly News