Two Namibian trainee nurses are facing disciplinary action after posting a TikTok video of themselves dancing inside a health clinic. The nurses claim they were celebrating a successful delivery, but the privately owned Welwitchia Health Training Centre considers their behavior “unacceptable.” The main students’ union in Namibia is calling for a fair hearing in the matter.
The video features Charmaine Keandra and Smart Muranda, dressed in their nursing uniforms, dancing in front of an empty patient bed. According to The Namibian newspaper, the video was recorded at the health centre two weeks ago. “The patient underwent surgery in the theatre, the baby was fine, and the mother was also fine. We were happy and decided to make a TikTok video,” one of the students explained.
Although the video has been widely shared and received hundreds of comments, the student who posted it has since deleted it. The Welwitchia Health Centre sent a letter to the two trainees accusing them of disobeying the student code of conduct and tarnishing the institution’s reputation.
In response, the Student Union of Namibia (Sun) accused the health institution of applying double standards, citing previous instances where nurses were seen dancing on various platforms but faced no disciplinary consequences. Sun President Benhard Kavau believes that a happy nurse is a productive nurse, regardless of the code of conduct. He suggests that the two students be warned and educated about appropriate video-taking practices instead of being suspended. “If our demand is not considered, we are prepared to pursue legal action,” Kavau added.
The disciplinary committee is scheduled to review the case on Friday, as confirmed by the union. The BBC reached out to the institution for comment but received no immediate response.
