Mine clinic in good hands

Occupational health nurse, Tendani Maphiri

Tendani Maphiri has walked in the shoes of a young woman determined to rise above her challenges. Now she confidently takes her steps as a qualified Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) in charge of Kangra’s clinic. Leading a team of four, including a technician and three paramedics, Tendani manages the mine’s clinic, conducts regular medical checkups for employees, and runs employee wellness programmes. The clinic provides overall primary health care services and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) led by a counsellor who is available every Thursday to assist employees in need.

Tendani also takes part in campaigns to share information about mental health, HIV, and other conditions. She aims to promote a healthier workforce that positively influences safety in the workplace. “For you to be productive, you need to live a healthy lifestyle and make sure that you are attending to all aspects of your wellbeing, including mental health,” she says.

Tendani passed her matric in 2009 and enrolled for Media Studies at the University of Venda. About two months later, she switched to nursing because she could not afford the university fees. She holds a Diploma in Nursing Administration from the Limpopo College of Nursing and a BTech in Occupational Health Nursing Science from the Tshwane University of Technology. Tendani also has various certificates in dispensing, spirometry, audiometry and vision as well as a qualification in HIV testing and counselling.