Prof. Rorisang Machailo from the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) has been appointed as the nursing practice portfolio chair at the Forum for University Nursing Departmental heads of South Africa (FUNDISA).

Her appointment recognises her knowledge of clinical practice and her commitment to maintaining high nursing standards in the profession. FUNDISA brings together heads of nursing departments from public universities across South Africa to guide the development of nursing education and professional practice.

In this role, Prof. Machailo will serve as a board member of the organisation and will help shape the strategic direction of nursing practice in South Africa. Her responsibilities include leading meetings relating to nursing practice, coordinating the work of the committee, guiding strategic decisions in the portfolio and reporting progress and recommendations to the full FUNDISA board.

According to Prof. Machailo, the appointment represents both professional recognition and responsibility. “The strength of the team is each member. The strength of each member is the team,” she says.

She adds that the role signals a new phase in her professional journey. “It is a significant milestone that reflects trust in my leadership and expertise in the nursing profession. It also means contributing to the shaping of the strategic direction of nursing practice in South Africa.”

Her work in the nursing practice portfolio will focus on strengthening nursing standards and ensuring alignment between nursing education programmes and professional practice requirements. A key priority will be promoting fit-for-purpose nursing graduates through directives that support programme outcome alignment across nursing programmes nationally.

Nursing practice in South Africa is guided by professional standards and ethical values supported by regulatory frameworks such as the Nursing Act (Act 33 of 2005). These standards define the roles and responsibilities of nurses and guide the delivery of safe, competent and ethical care in healthcare settings.

Prof. Machailo presented the strategic objectives for the nursing practice portfolio during the first FUNDISA meeting held at the UNISA from 26 to 27 February 2026.

Her appointment highlights the role of the NWU School of Nursing in developing the nursing profession at the national level.

Prof. Rorisang Machailo from the NWU School of Nursing has been appointed as nursing practice portfolio chair at FUNDISA.