By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Loud cheers and ululating were the order of the day during the 35th Mpumalanga College of Nursing Graduation ceremony for 334 graduates, held at Church on the Hill, in Kamagugu, on Friday 22 November.
According to the Department of Health in Mpumalanga, the college conducts a graduation ceremony to confer qualifications to candidates who meet all the requirements for various programmes. The Department added that the qualifications are offered from various accredited campuses and sub-campuses.
In her keynote address, Mpumalanga MEC for Health-Sasekani Manzini, acknowledged the great achievement as well as academic excellence by displayed by the college management and graduates.
“ It is a privilege for the Department of Health to be part of this prestigious graduation ceremony organised by the Mpumalanga College of Nursing, celebrating academic excellence and the vital role of education.
“ Completing your diploma program required steadfast dedication and commitment, which you’ve demonstrated admirably, leading to today’s joy. May your nursing career be marked by valuable contributions, serving others with dignity and respect,” said Manzini.
The Department said the graduates received the following qualifications;
• 120 Diploma in Nursing(Bridging Course)
• 143 Diploma in Nursing(General, Psychiatry and Community) and Midwifery: Four-year comprehensive nursing programme
• 71 Diploma in Nursing
The presiding officer for the ceremony was College Council Chairperson, JP Shongwe, working alongside Thembekile Skankane(College Principal), and Dudu Mdluli(Deputy Director General-Clinical Sevices).
In conclusion, MEC Manzini said the Department is confident and looking forward to the valuable impact to be made by the graduates in the provision of healthcare services around Mpumalanga and other areas.
