BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MAFUTSENI – Final-year nursing students from UNESWA are putting theory into practice, one patient at a time.
Armed with stethoscopes, sanitizer and a whole lot of soul, 24 final-year Mental Health Nursing students from the University of Eswatini’s Faculty of Health Sciences (Mbabane Campus) rolled up their sleeves and got to work, turning Mafutseni into a hive of healing.
This wasn’t just another classroom assignment. In a bold move from books to boots on the ground, the students led the monthly Mafutseni Health Outreach, offering free, lifesaving services to hundreds of residents. There were no queues, no clinic fees, just pure care, straight from the heart.
“We are honoured to be here at Mafutseni Health Centre to give back to the community and provide health services. It is such a pleasure to lend a helping hand wherever we can, as we paused our classes to support this initiative,” said student spokesperson Simo Lukhele.
By sunrise, the clinic was packed. The student-led team wasted no time, diving into work — screening for non-communicable diseases, testing for HIV and TB, administering vaccines, and offering mental health support to people who rarely access such services.
FROM CAMPUS TO COMMUNITY
This outreach isn’t a once-off. It happens every third Thursday of the month and is part of a bigger plan, turning Mafutseni into a model Primary Healthcare Centre of Excellence. The idea was born from a community health needs assessment conducted in 2024.
Backed by the UNESWA Department of Community Health Nursing, Georgetown University, the Ministry of Health, AHF Eswatini, Diabetes Eswatini, Mkhiwa Clinic and other partners, the outreach aims to take healthcare to the people, before problems become emergencies.
“This is not just a once-off. We are building a model that brings services to the people before things get critical,” said Dr. Nomathemba Nxumalo, underlining the power of prevention over cure.
COMMUNITY PULLS TOGETHER
Mafutseni residents weren’t just spectators, they played their part. Locals organised free transport for the elderly, ensuring no one was left out. Among the many touched by the students’ work was 77-year-old Gogo Fidela Nxumalo, who received care and gave a heartfelt vote of thanks that drew applause and softened hearts.
“We are grateful. You brought health to our doorstep, and we’ll forever appreciate it,” Gogo Fidela said, her voice trembling with emotion.
LAW, ORDER & HANDWASHING
The outreach was more than medical. Constable Phetsile Dlamini of the Royal Eswatini Police Service shared tips on staying safe, from guarding against copper thieves and cybercrime to tackling GBV and livestock theft.
Meanwhile, Nurse Temahlubi Dlamini sparked a hygiene revival, teaching proper handwashing, healthy eating, and basic disease prevention. Even little ones joined the lesson, proudly showing off their cough etiquette and handwashing skills like true health champions.
MAKING IT FUN, KEEPING IT FLOWING
Steering the day’s programme with charm and confidence was popular Manzini MC, Shushu Da MC — real name Sabelo Sukati. His energy, witty banter and professional flair kept the event flowing, the crowd entertained, and spirits sky-high.
LOOKING AHEAD
The long-term vision? Transforming a former road engineering facility into a vibrant community health hub — turning concrete and steel into compassion and service.
With students like Simo and her crew leading the charge, the future of healthcare in Eswatini looks brighter by the day.
“We may be students,” said Lukhele, “but today, we stood as professionals, serving our people.”
NEXT OUTREACH DATES:
August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18
Venue: Mafutseni Primary Healthcare Centre
