Mediclinic Newcastle elegantly concluded the year—a year filled with trials and tribulations, bravery and selflessness, and sorrow—on 31 December 2020, with a heartfelt ceremony.
The event was held in the private hospital’s foyer, with those who could not make it in person attending via Zoom.
Doctor Relationship Manager, Mathys Bornman explains the ceremony derives from the President’s speech on Monday night, 28 December 2020. “During his announcement, President Ramaphosa said instead of fireworks, let us each light a candle.” This saw Mediclinic Newcastle honouring the President’s request, lighting a candle in memory, tribute, and confidence.
Upon lighting the candle in front of the Mediclinic Newcastle team, Bornman continued with the President’s touching words, “Let us each light a candle in memory of those who have lost their lives, in tribute to those on the frontline who are working tirelessly to protect us from harm, in appreciation of the great sacrifices that have been made this past year, and in the confidence that the year ahead will bring health, peace and hope to our people.”
The candle, along with another placed in the Emergency Room, burned brightly throughout the evening. During the ceremony, a moment of silence was held commemorating those who had sadly passed on, while simultaneously acknowledging the long journey ahead.
With a fresh, year new ahead, a particular word of thanks goes out to those in the medical sector, frontline workers, who are committed to seeing the dawn of the day whereby these challenges are but a memory.
Let us remember their efforts, as we begin our journey into the highly anticipated 2021.
Authors: Quinton Boucher and Calvin Swemmer
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
