BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
SITEKI – His Majesty King Mswati III has urged newly-qualified health professionals graduating from the Good Shepherd College of Health Sciences to carry the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s health for the next 40 years.
The King’s message was delivered by HRH Prince Guduza during the 52nd Graduation Ceremony of the Good Shepherd College of Health Sciences held on May 12, 2026, where 145 graduands received qualifications under the theme: “Advancing the Nkwe! Agenda through Innovation, Diversification and Sustainability.”
Also present at the ceremony were Cabinet Ministers, Senator Chief Jozane, parents, relatives and guests from within and outside the country.
“I have been commanded by His Majesty King Mswati III to represent him,” said Prince Guduza while welcoming dignitaries, parents and visitors attending the ceremony.
Prince Guduza said the graduation ceremony came at a significant period coinciding with His Majesty’s double celebration of his 40-year reign and 58th birthday, which reflected on the country’s achievements and future aspirations.
His Majesty congratulated the graduates for successfully completing what he described as a difficult and demanding course, saying they were now being rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
“Now it is up to those who are taking the health baton today to carry the health of this nation for the next 40 years,” said the King through Prince Guduza.
His Majesty further said the graduation theme was a reminder that the nursing profession was not merely about care, but a calling founded on service, compassion and the responsibility to save lives.
“Nurses are the backbone of our health system,” said the King while urging all stakeholders to continue supporting health professionals in the country.
His Majesty also thanked lecturers and academic staff for training the graduates, saying they had not only imparted knowledge, but had also built character among students.
The King stressed the importance of working together to develop health and educational infrastructure, while commending the leadership of the college for its contribution towards public interest through education and health care services.
Referring to the opening prayer earlier in the year, Prince Guduza said His Majesty had encouraged EmaSwati to practise Agape Love in all areas of service and leadership.
During the ceremony, His Majesty also commissioned the college’s new auditorium project, which is expected to cost about E6 million.
The auditorium, estimated to accommodate about 1 400 people, will cover approximately 1 800 square metres and is expected to be completed within six to eight months.
It was stated that the facility would assist the institution during lectures, examinations and other large academic activities.
The importance of auditoriums in universities was also highlighted, noting that such facilities serve as multifunctional centres for learning, assembly and community engagement, while also meeting infrastructure requirements set by the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC).
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital and College of Health Sciences Board, Dr Khosi Mthethwa, announced that Their Majesties would be gifted three cows during the graduation ceremony.
Dr Mthethwa said one cow would be presented to Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, while two cows would be presented to His Majesty King Mswati III as a token of appreciation and loyalty to the Royal leadership.
Speaking during the same event, Rt Rev. José Luis Ponce de León urged graduates to be guided by Agape Love as they begin serving as trained health professionals.
He reminded graduands that His Majesty King Mswati III had declared this a year of Agape Love during the Year Opening Prayer, encouraging them to carry that spirit into their professional duties.
The graduation ceremony marked another milestone for the institution as it continues to produce skilled health professionals expected to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector and contribute towards national development.
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