Nursing is an indispensable, noble profession – the backbone of our healthcare sector. It demands unwavering commitment and a dedication to serve a purpose higher than oneself. Too often, nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare, but not today. Every year on 12 May, the world celebrates International Nurses Day, marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Today, we collectively reflect on the immeasurable value of nurses as they are deservedly placed in the spotlight.

At the North-West University (NWU), nursing is one of the cornerstones of our healthcare mission. Our comprehensive nursing programme equips students not only with the technical skills required to tackle South Africa’s unique healthcare challenges but also with a strong foundation in compassionate care, ethical practice, and leadership. This approach is closely aligned with the requirements and goals of the South African Nursing Council, ensuring our graduates are prepared for the demands of the profession.

On average, we produce between 120 and 160 nursing graduates annually. These graduates join the ranks of over 270,000 nurses in South Africa who so often bridge the gap between limited resources and the needs of a diverse and growing population. They are the ones who toil and sweat to ensure that families are reunited with their loved ones, that mothers hold their newborns for the first time and watch them grow into thriving adults. They care for the elderly and the vulnerable, the poor and the desperate, without discrimination – an example to us all.

As the country grapples with a chronic shortage of healthcare workers, the NWU’s commitment to nurturing skilled, compassionate, and resilient nurses is more critical than ever. On this International Nurses Day, we honour those who, day in and day out, care for the nation with unmatched dedication. They are, without doubt, the heartbeat of healthcare. They are our guardian angels.