- Senior Officials Honour Late Deputy Director Rejoice Nkambule
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Senior officials from the Ministry of Health Eswatini, together with development partners and staff members, have paid their respects following the death of Deputy Director of Public Health Rejoice Nkambule.
According to the Ministry of Health, Principal Secretary (PS) Khanyakwezwe Mabuza and Under Secretary (US) Anthony Masilela on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 led the Ministry’s senior management team, programme managers, staff members, non-governmental organisations and United Nations partners to the Nkambule family home to pay tribute to the late public health specialist.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, PS Mabuza described Nkambule’s passing as a devastating loss to both the health sector and the country.
“Kwephuke Ledvonsako”
Mabuza emotionally reflected on the impact Nkambule had within the Ministry and the broader healthcare sector.
“Kwephuke ledvonsako (she was a hardworker). Her spirit, work ethic and mentorship to many will live forever,” he said.
He explained that colleagues affectionately called her “Mree”, comparing her to a winning goal scorer because of her consistent ability to solve complex problems.
“Whenever we needed a solution to something, we would consult with her,” Mabuza added.
Key Figure In Public Health Emergencies
The Principal Secretary highlighted Nkambule’s major contributions to Eswatini’s healthcare achievements over the years.
According to Mabuza, she played a central role in:
- HIV response programmes
- COVID-19 interventions
- Public health emergency responses
- Disease surveillance initiatives
- National health coordination efforts
He said her influence extended beyond Eswatini and was recognised by international partners and regional organisations.
Mabuza noted that organisations mourning her passing include:
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- African Union (AU)
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
- Global Fund
Nkambule Served Ministry For More Than 18 Years
Nkambule served the Ministry of Health for more than:
- 18 years
and was widely respected for her:
- Professionalism
- Public health expertise
- Leadership
- Emotional intelligence
- Discipline
- Calm approach to management
Colleagues described her as:
- A mentor
- A woman of truth and facts
- A strong team builder
- A disciplined time-keeper
- A trusted advisor
The Ministry said she helped build teams grounded in:
- Humility
- Assertiveness
- Professional integrity
while remaining calm and composed under pressure.
Memorial Service Set For Friday
The life of Rejoice Nkambule will be celebrated during a memorial service scheduled for:
- Friday
- At the Mbabane Assemblies of God Church (Sandla)
The service is expected to begin at:
- 12 noon
Government officials, healthcare workers, development partners and members of the public are expected to attend as the nation honours one of its most respected public health professionals.
