• Oreratile Letuka and Ina-Mari Kloppers have been chosen to serve on the South African Nursing Students Association (SANSA) committee for the 2026 academic year.
• They will represent student concerns and help to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Their selection places them among student leaders from universities across the country who are committed to advancing the interests of nursing students. In their leadership roles, they will strengthen the future of nursing education and training.

SANSA is a student-led national organisation that promotes engagement, collaboration and unity among nursing students at universities that offer nursing degree programmes. As a sub-structure of the Forum of University Nursing Deans of South Africa (FUNDISA), SANSA provides a platform for nursing students to contribute significantly to the profession by participating in discussions on academic matters.

As NWU representatives on the SANSA committee, the duo will serve as a link between the nursing students, FUNDISA, and the South African Nursing Council (SANC). They will share important information about the field and will participate in decision-making concerning academic and clinical issues.

According to Ina-Mari, the selection reflects her work. “Being chosen to represent NWU nursing students means a great deal to me. It is an opportunity to highlight the important role that student nurses play every day,” she said. “I am proud to represent both the NWU and my fellow student nurses.”

One particular challenge that Oreratile hopes to address is the struggle that nursing students face to balance academic demands with clinical placement responsibilities.

“Students often return from clinical practice  feeling physically exhausted and emotionally drained, yet they are still expected to prepare for tests, assignments and assessments scheduled shortly afterwards. These challenges can have a negative impact on students’ wellbeing, academic performance, and overall mental health,” she said.

Curona Nursing Society: A Recipe for Leadership

For Oreratile and Ina-Mari, the journey to national leadership structures began in the Curona Nursing Society, the student-led Academic Student Association (ASA) for the School of Nursing on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Curona has become a powerhouse in shaping well-rounded nursing professionals. Earlier in February, it was recognised as the best student society at NWU for its role in boosting student morale and promoting student unity through sports, academic support, and professional practice.

Oreratile stated that the society was instrumental in shaping her journey as a student leader. “Through this experience, I learned the importance of being willing to listen, learn and continuously develop the skills necessary for both personal and professional growth. My time in the society gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to serve and advocate for others.”

In support of this, Ina-Mari stated that mentoring first-year students had been her most meaningful experience at the society. As a future nursing leader, she hopes to inspire others through her compassion and kindness.

“I aspire to create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow,” she concluded.

Prof Khumo Shopo, Deputy Director of the School of Nursing on the Potchefstroom Campus, expressed her pride in the duo, stating that this achievement is a source of optimism for the future.

“I am incredibly happy that our students are part of SANSA, as it provides them with opportunities to network and collaborate with their peers from other universities. Being involved in this structure early in their professional careers will broaden their thinking skills and boost their confidence in leadership roles,” she said.

Prof Shopo is confident that the duo will represent both the School of Nursing and the NWU with pride. “I am confident that they will represent the interests of NWU students and that they will be caring and ethical leaders who fly the purple flag high wherever they go after graduating.”