Sounds of jubilations went up many times at Church Unlimited Nelspruit’s auditorium as new nurses of the Mpumalanga Nursing College graduated on November 17.

The momentous occasion saw more than 360 graduates coming up on-stage to receive their diplomas in nursing, some in clinical nursing science and others in midwifery.

In her keynote speech, the Mpumalanga MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini, dressed in graduation regalia, said the ceremony is a testament to the graduates’ unwavering dedication, compassion and the countless hours they devoted to becoming skilled healthcare professionals.

“The world needs nurses now more than ever. We are living in a time of unprecedented challenges in which the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical role nurses play in our society. You have witnessed first-hand the resilience of the human spirit, the power of teamwork and the impact that compassionate care can have on individuals and communities.”

ALSO READ: University of Mpumalanga a beacon of hope for the province

Manzini also encouraged them to embrace the power nurses hold to make a lasting impact on the lives of others through their compassion and care. “Nursing is not merely a job. It is a lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. The field of healthcare is constantly evolving, and you must remain dedicated to staying informed, embracing new technologies and advancing your knowledge to provide the highest standard of care,” she said.

The academically outstanding graduates were also honoured and received trophies. One of the best overall outstanding performers is Mahloli Sithole from Tweefontein in KwaNdebele. She said she has wanted to pursue a career in nursing since high school. She persevered to be the top graduate in her class despite the challenges she faced.

“I love education, and I told myself I want to be a master of all trades, because nursing requires one to be skilled in all areas to give a patient the utmost care. The journey was not easy, because I lost my mum just before I pursued the qualification. My father also passed on after a while. What motivated me to keep going on was that I had no one.”

ALSO READ: Award-winning Masoyi designer donates beanies for babies

She advised young people not to give up on their passion and love of nursing, and to study hard to achieve their dreams.