BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA – Eswatini’s efforts to build a stronger and more people-centred healthcare system are being supported by a longstanding partnership between Government and the Church, with Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital and College of Health Sciences continuing to bring healthcare delivery, professional training and human dignity together.
Roman Catholic Bishop of Manzini José Luís Gerardo Ponce de León highlighted this contribution during the Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital and College of Health Sciences Senate Workshop held at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The engagement brought together Government, Parliament, the Church, the institution’s Governing Board, management and other stakeholders to reflect on the role and future of Good Shepherd in Eswatini’s health system.
Ponce de León said the Church deeply valued its enduring partnership with His Majesty’s Government, describing it as an important platform for advancing the wellbeing and integral development of EmaSwati.
“We deeply value the enduring partnership between the Church and His Majesty’s Government in advancing the wellbeing, dignity and integral development of the people of Eswatini,” he said.
He said the partnership was particularly significant in healthcare and education, while ensuring that the dignity of every person remains central to the services provided.
Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital has over the years contributed to healthcare service delivery, particularly in the Lubombo Region, while its College of Health Sciences has helped strengthen the country’s health workforce by training nurses and other health professionals.
The Bishop expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its continued cooperation and for upholding the existing Memorandum of Understanding between Government and the Church.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for its continued cooperation and for upholding the existing Memorandum of Understanding with the Church,” he said.
Ponce de León said the relationship between the Church and Government represented more than institutional cooperation, describing it as a shared responsibility to improve the lives of the people they serve.
He also welcomed the Church’s participation in the governance of Good Shepherd through representation on its Governing Board.
According to the Bishop, fair and meaningful representation strengthens shared stewardship and enables stakeholders to collectively uphold the mission of the hospital and College.
“We especially appreciate the confidence placed in the Church to participate in the governance of these institutions through fair and meaningful representation on the Governing Board,” he said.
The partnership comes as Good Shepherd looks towards strengthening both healthcare services and health sciences education.
The College is also pursuing a transition towards university status, which could expand opportunities for health sciences education and strengthen Eswatini’s capacity to train health professionals within the Kingdom.
Ponce de León said the Diocese remained hopeful that pending Royal Commands concerning the hospital and College would be given effect in due course.
“We remain hopeful that the pending Royal Commands concerning the Hospital and College will, in due course, be given effect,” he said.
While the Bishop did not disclose details of the pending Royal Commands, he emphasised the importance of maintaining constructive engagement between the Church, Government and other stakeholders.
The Senate workshop provided a platform for open engagement on matters affecting Good Shepherd, including its role in healthcare delivery, education and its future development.
Ponce de León said such engagements were important in strengthening mutual understanding and ensuring that all stakeholders remained focused on the common good.
“May our deliberations deepen mutual understanding, strengthen our partnership and advance the common good of the people we are privileged to serve,” he said.
His message placed people at the heart of Good Shepherd’s mission, presenting healthcare and education as essential avenues for improving lives while protecting human dignity.
As Eswatini continues to strengthen its health system, the partnership between Government and the Church provides an important foundation for expanding access to healthcare, developing skilled health professionals and ensuring that services remain centred on the needs of communities.
For Good Shepherd, the journey ahead is therefore not only about institutional growth but about strengthening its ability to serve EmaSwati through quality healthcare, education and compassionate care.
Ponce de León reaffirmed the Diocese of Manzini’s appreciation for its partnership with Government and expressed hope that continued cooperation would enable Good Shepherd to grow and make an even greater contribution to the health and wellbeing of the people of Eswatini.
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