It was a proud and stirring moment for the South African nursing profession as the achievements of 531 nursing graduates were recognised at the Netcare Education graduation ceremony for Gauteng’s Johannesburg and Pretoria campuses last week.
Dr Shannon Nell, Netcare’s group director: nursing and nursing education, said that 2023 was a special and historic graduation year, being the first cohort of students qualifying on the new three year general nurse programme alongside a variety of other programmes, demonstrating the multiplicity of options available to anyone who comes into the nursing profession.
| From left to right: Nolan Daniels, Netcare regional director Gauteng South West; Azrah Kadwa, Campus Manager Award recipient; Cindy Menino, campus manager Gauteng South West; Edel Cutler, regional nursing manager Gauteng South West. |
| From left to right: Marinda Maritz, nursing service manager Netcare Waterfall City Hospital; Sonto Makhanya, human resources manager Netcare Waterfall City Hospital; Bethuel Simelane, Campus Manager Award recipient; Sonia Willemse, head of department, Netcare Education Gauteng North East. |
| From left to right: Annelien Best, nursing service manager Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital; Sulente Massyn, silver medal recipient; Cindy Menino, campus manager Gauteng South West; Toy Vermaak, manager Faculty of Nursing and Ancillary Healthcare. |
“No less than 60 of the graduates received special prizes – a testament to the commitment to care and excellence in education that continues to define the young men and women who come through our ranks.”
In particular, Nell noted the Campus Manager Award, which is bestowed upon a student employed by Netcare or placed in a Netcare hospital for work integrated learning, who best epitomises the Netcare core values both within the hospital and the campus environment.
“The South West Campus, which is based in Johannesburg, was pleased to present this award to Azrah Kadwa from Netcare Olivedale Hospital. Azrah has proven that education is the passport to the future, as tomorrow truly does belong to those who prepare for today. She has found her true calling as a trauma and emergency nurse, with a passion for helping people in their most vulnerable moments, and we are proud to count her as one of our own,” said Cindy Menino, Netcare Education Gauteng South West campus manager.
“The North East Campus in Pretoria was pleased to present this award to Bethuel Simelane from Netcare Waterfall City Hospital. Bethuel was an active member of the Netcare Education student representative council, where he was known for being a champion of the truth and for treating his peers, educators and patients with the utmost respect. Bethuel leads by example, always making time for patients and fellow students alike – a trait that is highly valued in our profession,” said Toy Vermaak, manager: Faculty of Nursing and Ancillary Healthcare (FNAH) at Netcare Education.
| From left to right: Lerato Mahloko, head of department hospital based academic member Netcare Sunninghill Hospital; Joanne Kelham, nursing service manager Netcare Sunninghill Hospital; Boile Mdluli, retired head of department hospital based academic member Netcare Sunninghill Hospital; Bright Mudazanire, unit manager Netcare Sunninghill Hospital; Brenda Beverley Leokadia Musakwa, gold medal recipient; Cindy Menino, campus manager Netcare Education Gauteng South West; Dr Shannon Nell, group director nursing and nursing education. |
| From left to right: Cindy Menino, campus manager Netcare Education Gauteng South West and Roanne Jagath, Academic Recognition Award recipient. |
Congratulating the graduates on their achievements, Dr Nceba Ndzwayiba, Netcare’s Group director: human resources and transformation, noted that graduations tell a profound story. “It is a story of tenacity, determination and persistence. A story of resilience and excellence, a story of discipline and dedication. A story about your life choices and dreams and your will to achieve your goals.
“That is why it is with great joy that we celebrate our colleagues upon their graduation – an occasion that is not only about qualifications but also about depth of character and skill and, most importantly, a choice to serve humanity in times of need.”
Ndzwayiba thanked Netcare Education’s academic and administrative staff and management, clinical facilitators, hospital management and nursing staff. “You have played a pivotal role in the learning process for these young men and women, and their journey would have never been possible without you. Enkosi!”
Ends
Additional special awards
Netcare Education Silver Medal
The Netcare Education Silver Medal was awarded to Sulente Massyn from Gauteng South West, Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital, who achieved an overall mark of 78% across the three years of training.
Netcare Education Gold Medal
The Netcare Education Gold Medal was awarded to Brenda Beverley Leokadia Musakwa from Gauteng South West, Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, who achieved an overall mark of 80% across the three years of training.
Netcare Education Academic Recognition Award for Theoretical Facilitation of Learning
Presented to Roanne Jagath from Netcare Education Gauteng South West campus, this award is bestowed upon an academic staff member who has had a significant impact on their students, fellow educators, and the broader community through their dedication to education in the classroom environment and has demonstrated excellent theoretical knowledge in the classroom and hospital environments.
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Graduation statistics by region
In the 2023 academic year:
- 372 students graduated from Netcare Education Gauteng South West campus
- 159 students graduated from Netcare Education Gauteng North East campus
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Notes to editor
Looking for a medical appointment? Netcare appointmed™ will make appointments for YOU with specialists practising at Netcare hospitals, GPs and dentists at Medicross medical and dental centres, and specialists at Akeso mental health facilities. Simply request an appointment online at www.netcare.co.za/Request-a-medical-appointment or phone Netcare appointmed™ on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays between 08:00 and 17:00.
To find out more about the services offered through Netcare hospitals and other of the Group’s facilities, please visit www.netcare.co.za or contact the Netcare customer service centre either by email at [email protected] or phone 0860 NETCARE (0860 638 2273). Note that the centre operates Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 to 16:00.
For media enquiries, contact MNA at the contact details listed below.
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Education
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