SITEKI – Standard Bank Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mvuselelo Fakudze has urged nursing students to embrace their calling and serve with competence, compassion and confidence.
Fakudze was speaking during the 2026 Good Shepherd Catholic College of Health Sciences Capping and Striping Ceremony held at the Good Shepherd Hospital Hall yesterday under the theme: “Crowned for Service: Preparing Nurses to Care with Competency, Compassion and Confidence.”
The ceremony marked an important milestone for 76 nursing students as they officially transitioned from classroom learning to the clinical phase of their training.
Addressing students, lecturers and invited guests, Fakudze described the occasion as more than a ceremony, saying it symbolised a commitment to caring for others and carrying the responsibility of human life with dignity.
“Today is not just a ceremony; it is about a promise. A promise to care, a promise to serve and a promise to carry the responsibility of human life with dignity,” he said.
Fakudze highlighted the critical role nurses play within healthcare systems, noting that while doctors diagnose and prescribe treatment; nurses remain at the centre of patient care.
“The best doctors are often those who start as nurses because nurses understand how to manage patients,” he said.
He acknowledged that nursing was a demanding profession that would test students emotionally and physically, but encouraged them to remain committed to their purpose.
“There will be moments that remind you why you chose this path,” he said.
The bank executive also praised parents and guardians for the sacrifices they had made to support the students throughout their educational journey.
Fakudze reaffirmed Standard Bank Eswatini’s commitment to supporting the health sector, saying healthcare remained a vital pillar for national development.
He encouraged the students to focus on three important principles throughout their careers: competence, compassion and confidence.
“Carry your confidence with humility and always remain open to learning,” he said.
Fakudze also reminded students that while technology and artificial intelligence were transforming many industries, nursing would always require a human touch.
“No matter how sophisticated technology becomes, it cannot replace the human connection that exists between a nurse and a patient,” he said.
Meanwhile, Good Shepherd Catholic College of Health Sciences Principal Precious Dlamini encouraged students to use digital technology responsibly and strive to become change agents within the healthcare sector.
Dlamini said society required nurses who were competent, compassionate and confident.
“We expect not only knowledge and skills but also the right attitudes,” she said.
She urged students to treat patients with dignity and empathy, noting that illness often leaves people vulnerable.
“Nurses trained in this institution should never inflict emotional pain on patients,” she said.
Dlamini congratulated the students on reaching the important milestone and welcomed them into what she described as a rewarding profession.
The capping and stripping ceremony is a traditional rite of passage in nursing education. The cap and stripe symbolise readiness to enter clinical practice, professional responsibility and dedication to patient care. Students also participated in a lamp-lighting ceremony inspired by Florence Nightingale, whose service during the Crimean War established many of the principles of modern nursing.
Senior nurse encourages students to pursue specialised fields
SITEKI – Senior nurse Andrew Jele has encouraged nursing students to pursue specialised fields and remain committed to lifelong learning in order to remain competitive in the evolving healthcare sector.
Jele delivered the motivational address during the 2026 Good Shepherd Catholic College of Health Sciences Capping and Striping Ceremony held at Good Shepherd Hospital Hall yesterday.
Addressing the 76 nursing students, Jele described nursing as a noble profession capable of opening doors to opportunities across the world when approached with dedication, professionalism and compassion.
He reminded students that nursing extends beyond technical knowledge and requires adherence to ethical principles and professional values.
“If you do that, this profession can take you very far,” he said.
Drawing from his own experiences, Jele told students that success in nursing often required sacrifice and determination.
“Do not give up when things become difficult,” he said.
He noted that healthcare systems worldwide were changing, creating increased demand for nurses with specialist qualifications in areas such as palliative care, nephrology, oncology, orthopaedics, mental health and chronic disease management.
“The profession is becoming more competitive,” he said.
Jele recounted how he pursued specialised training in palliative care despite concerns surrounding disease outbreaks in parts of Africa at the time.
He said healthcare professionals should always be willing to take calculated risks when they contribute to the advancement of patient care and professional development.
“Take risks where necessary, but always evaluate the situation carefully,” he said.
Jele also urged students to monitor global health trends and align their career development with emerging healthcare needs.
According to him, non-communicable diseases, cancer, mental health conditions, trauma cases and chronic illnesses are expected to remain major healthcare priorities in the coming years.
He further encouraged students to take advantage of scholarships and professional development programmes whenever possible.
“Commit yourself to excellence and opportunities will follow,” he said.
Jele also praised Good Shepherd Hospital for its contribution to healthcare training and service delivery in Eswatini.
“The institution continues to produce highly skilled nurses and remains committed to maintaining high standards in healthcare,” he said.
