The School of Nursing at the North-West University (NWU) hosted the two-day business meeting of the Forum of University Nursing Deans of South Africa (FUNIDSA) on 28 and 29 May. The meeting brought together the heads of nursing schools from 22 universities across South Africa to discuss issues of critical importance to the nursing profession.

FUNDISA provides strategic leadership and expertise in nursing education and promotes scholarship, strengthening collaboration between stakeholders. One of its strategic objectives is to represent the interests and standpoints of nursing and midwifery education, practice and research at various national, regional, and international forums.

Prof Awie Kotze, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the NWU, welcomed the esteemed delegates and the FUNDISA board members, led by chairperson Prof Portia Jordan. In his address, Prof Kotze encouraged meaningful dialogue to strengthen and advance the nursing profession both nationally and globally.

Prof Petra Bester, Director of the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR) within the Faculty of Health Sciences, delivered a stimulating presentation entitled, “Recognising and responding to demoralisation syndrome as a leadership priority.” She explored the wicked and complex problems that nurses face in the healthcare system and highlighted how they deal with the consequences of systemic corruption.

Reflecting on the moral and ethical challenges facing the nursing profession, Prof Bester emphasised the importance of purposeful leadership and meaningful transformation within the healthcare system.

“Leaders must consider the demoralisation syndrome and prioritise restoring morale, particularly in higher education and nursing practice,” she said.

Prof Khumo Shopo, Deputy Director of the School of Nursing on the Potchefstroom Campus, said that hosting this prestigious meeting  was a significant milestone for the School, highlighting its contribution to critical decision-making in nursing education and training.

“As an affiliate of FUNDISA, the School of Nursing plays an active role in shaping the future of nursing education through its participation in key decision-making processes. Hosting this meeting reaffirms our commitment to excellence in nursing education and training, and is a significant honour for the school. The meeting brings together heads of nursing schools from across the country, enabling us to engage on matters of relevance to nursing education, practice, and research.”

Commenting on how current and future nursing students will benefit from such engagements, Prof Shopo said:

“The outcomes of the meeting will greatly benefit both current and future nursing students. As nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, it is important that university programmes equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to meet the demands of the profession. Through discussions on current and future curricula, we aim to develop innovative, capable, and professional nurses who can lead diverse teams, advocate for their patients and uphold the highest standards of patient safety.”

She added that the meeting reaffirmed the NWU’s commitment to advancing the profession.

“Hosting this meeting demonstrates the NWU’s commitment to influencing nursing education and contributing to national discussions that shape the future of the profession and the quality of our graduates," Prof Shopo concluded.

Shaping the Future of nursing education and training one business meeting at a time.