BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
SITEKI – His Majesty King Mswati III has commissioned the construction of a new E6 million auditorium at the Good Shepherd College of Health Sciences.
The auditorium is expected to strengthen higher learning infrastructure and support the training of future health professionals in the country.
The King’s message was delivered by HRH Prince Guduza during the institution’s 52nd Graduation Ceremony held on May 12, 2026, where 145 graduands received qualifications under the theme: “Advancing the Nkwe! Agenda through Innovation, Diversification and Sustainability.”
The new auditorium, expected to cover about 1 800 square metres with a seating capacity of approximately 1 400 people, would assist the institution during lectures, examinations and other major academic activities. It will be completed in six to eight months.
King noted that auditoriums in universities served as critical multifunctional centres for learning, assembly and community engagement, while also helping institutions comply with infrastructure requirements set by the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC).
His Majesty further commended the leadership of the Good Shepherd College of Health Sciences for continuing to serve public interest through education and health care services.
The King also urged graduates to carry the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s health for the next 40 years, saying nurses remained the backbone of the country’s health system.
“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 His Majesty through Prince Guduza.
He further congratulated the graduates for completing what he described as a difficult and demanding course, saying they were now being rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
His Majesty also thanked lecturers and academic staff for training the graduands, saying they had not only imparted knowledge, but had also built character.
The King stressed that the nursing profession was founded on service, compassion and the responsibility to save lives, while encouraging graduates to practise Agape Love when executing their duties.
Speaking during the same ceremony, Acting Prime Minister Dr Tambo Gina described the graduands as a new “health army” ready to serve the nation.
“Today is far more than the conclusion of academics, but the commissioning of new health army heroes,” said Dr Gina.
The Acting Prime Minister further revealed that government had taken note of concerns raised by the institution, including matters relating to salaries, adding that the Minister of Health was already working on them.
Also present during the ceremony were Cabinet Ministers, Senator Chief Jozane, parents, relatives and invited guests from within and outside the country.
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