A viral video of a dancing South African nurse entertaining her patients has brought smiles to many.

The Daily Sun newspaper tracked down Thathakahle Gumede, 57, who works as an operational manager at Philani Clinic in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ms Gumede told the newspaper that she dances to brings hope to ailing patients, some of whom are seen laughing and giggling in the background as she dances in the now-famous video.

"I’ve always believed that a pill can heal a sick person but a nurse brings hope to a sick person," Ms Gumede told the Daily Sun.

"Therefore its important that a nurse's face and attitude be able to tell a patient that this phase they find themselves in shall pass."