Cape Town - At the 2024 Batho Pele and Innovation Awards, in Johannesburg on November 29, four exceptional public servants from the Western Cape were recognized for their outstanding contributions to health and emergency services.
The Batho Pele and Innovation Awards celebrated those who go above and beyond in public service.
Among the winners was Deon Terry, a 58-year-old Emergency Medical Service (EMS) officer from Ocean View, whose dedication to his community earned him national recognition.
Terry’s passion for EMS began in childhood. “When I started school, I was fascinated with lights and sirens. I knew then that I wanted to work in the pre-hospital environment,” he recalled.
Growing up with a single parent meant Terry couldn’t afford further studies, but his desire to help others remained strong.
After joining the South African Red Cross Society as a volunteer, he pursued part-time training in EMS, eventually becoming a full-time paramedic.
Over the years, Terry has worked tirelessly in Ocean View, where he established a satellite ambulance station and trained nearly 1,000 people in basic emergency first aid.
“In Ocean View, we don’t wait for bystanders; we need doers,” he said.
His program, inclusive of all ages and abilities, has strengthened ties between EMS services and the community.
“We’ve built strong relationships with local security companies, ensuring help is always just a call away.”
Terry's approach has been community-driven, and his work has impacted not only his patients but also his family.
“My kids are all trained in emergency first aid, and they’re part of facilitating our programs. This award is as much theirs as it is mine,” he said.
When Terry was announced as the winner of the Batho Pele Best Frontline Service Delivery Employee, he was both surprised and grateful.
“I never expected it. I was just there because I’ve been doing this out of love and passion for years.”
Also recognized at the event were Kristy Evans, Director at Groote Schuur Hospital Trust, and Dr. Sadia Murray, Medical Manager, for their innovative screening tool to address gender-based violence (GBV).
Their tool, which screens all pregnant women for abuse, asks seven questions about their experiences with violence at home.
“This is not just about our patients; it’s about creating a space for people to talk about abuse in a confidential and supportive environment,” Evans explained.
Last year, 12% of women screened disclosed intimate partner violence.
Evans emphasized the importance of early intervention.
“We want to provide women with the support they need to break free from abusive relationships. They are offered counselling, social worker referrals, and even legal assistance, if necessary.
“We want to create a space where people feel comfortable speaking up.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Roland Kroukamp, family physician at Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre, earned the Runner-Up spot in the National Batho Pele Best Frontline Service Delivery Employee award.
He also placed First Runner-Up for his innovation, the Resuscitation Box, inspired by the Broselow Emergency Reference Tape.
The tape, used to resuscitate children, is colour-coded to match the child's size and weight with corresponding equipment.
Kroukamp, originally from Grabouw, explained the impact of his idea.
“This not only helps the patient in a time-critical situation but reduces anxiety in healthcare workers who are tasked with saving a child's life. Having the right equipment instantly improves care and saves precious time.”
Kroukamp, who once sold fruit at a stall in his hometown, is quick to acknowledge the team behind the success of his project.
“I may have the ideas, but it’s my team who carries the weight of making them a reality,” he said.
“This recognition reflects their hard work and dedication.”
Western Cape Head of Health, Dr Keith Cloete, expressed his gratitude towards the winners.
"These accolades are a testament to the dedication and innovation of our team, who go above and beyond to provide person-centred care and drive meaningful impact in our communities. We are deeply honoured to have their efforts recognised at a national level.”
Weekend Argus