BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
SITEKI – Good Shepherd College of Health Sciences has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the institution into a fully-fledged university, revealing that structures and frameworks towards achieving the vision have already been established.
This emerged during the institution’s 52nd graduation ceremony of the Class of 2025, held on Tuesday May 12,2026, where 145 graduands were awarded qualifications under the theme: “Advancing the Nkwe! Agenda through Innovation, Diversification and Sustainability.”
King Mswati III was represented at the ceremony by Prince Guduza. Also present were Acting Prime Minister Dr Tambo Gina, Cabinet Ministers, members of both Houses of Parliament, diplomats, chiefs, parents and guardians.
Delivering remarks before the royal delegation, Board Chairperson Dr Khosi Mthethwa said the institution remained fully committed to fulfilling His Majesty’s vision of elevating the college into a university.
This commitment is anchored in the endorsement made by King Mswati III on March 19, 2025, when he publicly supported the transformation of Good Shepherd College of Health Sciences into a university during a graduation ceremony held at the institution in Siteki.
During that visit, the King expressed strong support for the elevation of the college into a university to better serve the Lubombo region. The announcement came after a request from the institution’s management and formed part of a broader royal engagement that also saw the launch of a new Outpatient Department (OPD) and Eye Clinic.
His Majesty further linked the transformation to the national “Nkwe” Agenda, committing to ensure that the necessary facilities, systems and expertise are put in place to realise the vision.
Dr Mthethwa said the royal directive had become a sacred responsibility for the institution, inspiring leadership to re-examine its potential and pursue excellence with renewed determination.
“We wish to assure Your Majesty, with the utmost respect and sincerity, that we are committed to realise this vision,” she said.
She revealed that the board and framework necessary to guide the transition into university status had already been established, adding that the institution was now working diligently alongside government and stakeholders to bring the vision to life.
According to Dr Mthethwa, the envisioned university would stand as a guiding light of excellence rooted in Christian values, founded upon local traditions and dedicated to the service of humanity.
She said His Majesty’s previous visit to the institution during an earlier graduation ceremony marked a turning point in the life of Good Shepherd, bringing renewed confidence, purpose and national relevance.
“By unveiling and affirming Good Shepherd before the nation and the world, Your Majesty poured new life into our mission,” she said.
Dr Mthethwa further stated that government’s continued support through subvention to the college, together with preserving the institution’s relationship with the hospital and the Catholic Church, reflected wisdom that was balanced and far-sighted.
She said the support had enabled the institution to expand its reach, improve the quality of training and respond more effectively to the healthcare needs of emaSwati.
The board chairperson also paid tribute to His Majesty’s 40 years on the throne, saying the country continued to flourish under leadership founded on unity, resilience and hope.
“Ndlaluselva, all that we celebrate today is, in no small measure, a reflection of your visionary leadership,” she said.
Dr Mthethwa concluded by pledging the institution’s continued loyalty, diligence and service to the nation, saying Good Shepherd would remain guided by His Majesty’s vision and example.
#GoodShepherdCollege #ClassOf2025 #Graduation2025 #UniversityTransformation #EswatiniEducation #NkweAgenda #HealthSciences #HigherEducationEswatini #KingMswatiIII
