The Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College held its first graduation ceremony since the Covid-19 Pandemic on the 16th of September 2022. A total of 124 nurses received their Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatry and Community) as well as Midwifery. Diploma’s in General Nursing and Diplomas in Midwifery were also awarded. Among the distinguished guests in attendance was the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr. Zamani Saul, the MEC for Health, Mr. Maruping Lekwene, Acting HOD of Health, Mr. Riaan Strydom, senior management from the Department of Health and the guest speaker Dr. Moselene Du Plessis. The MEC for Health, Mr. Maruping Lekwene was given the honour of welcoming the guests and giving the opening remarks.
The Premier, clad in his academic attire, congratulated the students and encouraged them to further their studies and serve their communities with pride.
The chosen guest speaker for the day was Dr. Moselene Du Plessis from the University of Pretoria. She holds a PhD in Nursing and specialises in Leadership and Management. Dr. Du Plessis congratulated the graduandis on their achievement and motivated them by sharing her life story which spans decades in teaching and learning. Her advice to the new nurses was to always sharpen themselves. She reminded them that the foundation of the nursing profession is to care. “If a patient does not keep you awake at night then you are in the wrong profession” she said. She also encouraged the new nurses to be competent and culturally sensitive. She emphasized the importance of continuous professional development and not sitting in your comfort zone.
She ended off by adding that the newly qualified nurses should stick to the vision and the mission of the Department which is provide a modern health system delivering quality care to a growing province. The newly graduated nurses are now permanently employed in facilities across the Northern Cape Province. They are placed as follows; Frances Baard District (30), Namakwa District(25), Pixley Ka Seme District(21), John Taolo Gaetsewe(23) and ZF Mgcawu District( 25).
