As the world prepares to celebrate International Nurses Day on 12 May, Holy Family College Durban Librarian, Deidre Bevan, honours her late friend, Sister Mary Ann Thole, who posthumously received The Order of Mendi for Bravery from President Cyril Ramaphosa, recently.
The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises ordinary South African citizens for their exceptional acts of bravery. In April of 2007, Sister Thole – together with other staff members at the St Maria Ratschitz Mission Station Hospice in Dundee – rescued five of eight bedridden patients when the hospice burnt down.
Sister Thole tragically lost her life when she tried to save the last three patients.
Long-time family friend, Deirdre Bevan, nominated Sister Thole for the award. “I first applied for the award a year after Sister Mary Ann died. I applied several times because I believe she is deserving of this recognition. It was an absolute honour to be present when the award was bestowed on Sister Mary Ann. I am very grateful that the family asked me to accompany Sister Mary Ann’s brother, Karl, to the ceremony as it was something that I really tried so hard to get for her,” she said.
Bevan, who is also the chairlady of the St Catherine’s Past Pupils Association, said that she was very proud of Sister Thole’s acts of bravery.
“To give your life to save patients in a hospice says something about your personality; she was very young. The school is also very proud of her. So I thought it would be apt that she be recognised by South Africa for her bravery and selflessness.”
Sister Thole was born Rosanne Thole and began her eduction at St Catherine’s School in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, from Grade 1 and completed her matric in 1989. She later enrolled at Edgewood Teachers Training College in Pinetown for a Diploma in Senior Primary Education.
Thole joined the Nardini Sisters of Franciscan Order in December 1993 and took her final vows in July 2001. After teaching in Nkandla and Vryheid, she moved to the St Maria Ratschitz Catholic Mission in Dundee in 2005 as a Novice Mistress.
The award was accepted by Sister Mary’s brother, Karl Thole, who said that he was proud, honoured and humbled to accept the award on behalf of his brave and selfless sister.
